By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Bo, Sierra Leone, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has successfully concluded a three-day intensive training program aimed at strengthening the capacity of district trainers in the One Health sector.
Held at One World Link in Bo, the training brought together a diverse group of participants from regions affected by Mpox, including Western Area Urban, Western Area Rural, Moyamba, and Bo districts. Among them were members of the Integrated Rapid Response Team, who play a critical role in managing and mitigating Mpox outbreaks.
Facilitated by experts from NPHA, the training focused on equipping trainers with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance disease surveillance, early detection, and rapid response mechanisms. Participants engaged in practical sessions, case studies, and knowledge-sharing discussions to improve coordination in Mpox-affected areas.
The impact of this initiative is expected to be far-reaching, as the trained district trainers will, in turn, lead capacity-building programs for Community Health Workers (CHWs), Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), and Forest Rangers, among others. This cascading approach aims to strengthen the country’s overall preparedness and response efforts against Mpox and other public health threats.
Health officials expressed optimism that the training will contribute significantly to reducing the spread of Mpox and improving early intervention strategies within affected communities.
