By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
Sierra Leone has been officially declared Mpox-free, with no new cases reported in over 42 days, meeting internationally recognized public health standards.
The announcement was made on December 15, 2025, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).
The country recorded its first Mpox case on January 10, 2025, and subsequently declared a public health emergency. Through coordinated efforts—including enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns Sierra Leone successfully contained the outbreak.
Vaccination efforts played a critical role in controlling the spread of the disease. Over 200,000 people were vaccinated, with 267,000 vaccine doses supplied by partners such as the United States, Africa CDC, Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF.
Nationwide awareness campaigns and social mobilization initiatives also helped reduce transmission. Treatment centers were established, and healthcare workers received training on case management and infection control.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners have commended Sierra Leone’s response, highlighting its robust public health measures and community engagement as a model for other countries.
This declaration marks a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s public health history, demonstrating the country’s capacity to effectively respond to health emergencies.
