By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has reaffirmed her commitment to complementing the efforts of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in the fight against the Mpox virus.
On Wednesday, 21st May 2025, Madam Barrie, alongside the management of Freetown International Airport, officially installed a brand-new, sophisticated thermal imaging camera at the airport’s main terminal entrance in Lungi. This initiative is aimed at strengthening screening measures to detect potential Mpox cases early and protect both incoming and outgoing travelers, as well as airport staff.
To further bolster the government’s response, the SLCAA convened its first Mpox emergency response meeting on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, at its headquarters in Freetown. The meeting brought together key health authorities for strategic discussions and collaborative planning to safeguard the airport community from the rising threat of the Mpox outbreak.
During the meeting, Madam Barrie called for urgent inter-agency collaboration, access to vaccines for frontline staff, and the swift implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to address the health crisis.
Sierra Leone is currently experiencing a significant surge in Mpox cases, placing it among the most affected countries globally. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation recently declared a public health emergency in response to the escalating situation, which has seen a sharp rise in infections since April 2025.
The government is actively implementing several control measures, including increased testing, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns, to contain the spread of the virus and provide quality care to affected individuals.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, rash, severe headache, and swollen lymph nodes.
Madam Barrie’s proactive stance reflects SLCAA’s commitment to national health and safety, ensuring aviation remains a secure and resilient sector amid the ongoing public health challenge.