By: Aminata Sesay
In Sierra Leone, the story of Mpox is entering a new chapter one not defined by fear or illness, but by courage, healing, and leadership. Survivors of the disease, once isolated by stigma and uncertainty, are now stepping boldly into the spotlight to lead the nation’s next phase of resilience.
On October 2-3, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), with support from Jhpiego, unveiled the National Network of Persons Recovered from Mpox under the inspiring theme, “Building a Resilient and Empowered Network of Mpox Survivors.”
This landmark launch is more than an event it’s a movement. It places survivors at the center of public health education, community advocacy, and outbreak preparedness, transforming lived experience into leadership and compassion into action.
“Resilience is not just about surviving. It’s about rising with purpose,” said Miss Rachael Kuyembeh, Public Information Officer for the Mpox Response and event moderator. “Those who have walked through fire now carry the light to guide others.”
Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of NPHA, led the unveiling with a message of hope and gratitude. He celebrated survivors not only for their strength in recovery but for their willingness to lead in shaping a stronger, more inclusive health system.
Mr. Harold Thomas, RCCE Lead, outlined the vision: to create a unified survivor voice, amplify community-based risk communication, strengthen mental health integration, and embed survivor perspectives into Sierra Leone’s national health strategies.
“Survivors are not just beneficiaries of care,” he said. “They are agents of change who bring empathy, trust, and authenticity to our health response.”
The highlight of the event came from Mr. Nelson Johnson, a Mpox survivor whose story captured the essence of the Network’s mission transforming pain into purpose. He spoke candidly about the loneliness of recovery and the power of solidarity, urging for more peer support and mental health resources.
Panel discussions deepened this message, exploring how survivor leadership can bridge the gap between health institutions and communities. Experts from Jhpiego, NPHA, Focus 1000, and the Ministry of Social Welfare joined survivors to discuss integrating mental health, storytelling, and peer education into the national Mpox response.
One of the most inspiring moments of the two-day gathering was the birth of a new survivor-led organization “The Way Forward.” This charity will serve as a safe space and support hub for those recovering from Mpox, offering psychosocial support, community outreach, and leadership training. Its goal is simple yet powerful: to ensure no survivor walks alone, and every journey of healing becomes a pathway to empowerment.
The unveiling of the Network’s logo closed the event with a sense of pride and unity. Its design a symbol of resilience and renewal reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to not just defeating outbreaks, but rebuilding stronger communities in their wake.
With the support of Jhpiego, the U.S. Government, WHO, UNICEF, PSI, and other key partners, Sierra Leone is setting a new standard for inclusive, survivor-centered health systems.
The National Network of Mpox Survivors is more than a program; it’s a promise that healing will lead to action, and that those who have overcome adversity will shape a healthier, more compassionate Sierra Leone.
Together, government, partners, and survivors are rewriting the narrative from one of illness to one of inspiration. The future of outbreak response starts here: with survivors leading the way forward.