By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone is facing a growing public health emergency following the outbreak of Mpox, first confirmed on January 10, 2025. Since then, health authorities have intensified their efforts to contain the virus, which has resulted in 341 confirmed cases nationwide.
Of the total cases, 91 patients have recovered and been discharged, while three individuals with underlying health conditions have died. As of now, 247 active cases remain under care, either in treatment facilities or home isolation. Additionally, 628 individuals identified as close contacts are under active monitoring.
The sharp rise in Mpox cases is attributed to several factors, including increased case-finding efforts by health teams and greater public willingness to seek medical attention when symptoms appear. The recent establishment of new treatment centers has improved patient care and accelerated response times.
However, challenges remain. Delays in testing have allowed some individuals to unknowingly spread the virus before diagnosis. Misinformation and fear surrounding the disease are also discouraging people in some communities from seeking timely medical help, further complicating containment efforts.
In response, the Government of Sierra Leone has launched a nationwide Mpox vaccination campaign, targeting individuals aged 12 and above, especially those at higher risk such as healthcare workers, confirmed contacts, and immunocompromised persons. Since the rollout began on March 27, 2025,887 people have been vaccinated, primarily frontline health workers, with a notable number of women among them. The country has received 58,300 doses of the Mpox vaccine to support this effort.
To enhance public awareness, Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), held an engagement session with bloggers and digital influencers, urging them to share accurate information about Mpox across online platforms. Miss Rachael Kuyembeh, NPHA’s Public Relations Officer (PRO-1), emphasized that defeating Mpox requires a collective national effort, encouraging all citizens to support sensitization campaigns.
Health authorities are urging individuals showing symptoms to seek immediate medical care and for those eligible to get vaccinated. The public is also advised to rely on credible sources for information and avoid sharing unverified content that could hinder the national response.
Suspected Mpox cases should be reported promptly by dialing 117, the national emergency health hotline.
While Mpox remains a serious health threat, Sierra Leone’s coordinated efforts driven by vigilance, vaccination, and community cooperation offer a clear path toward containing the outbreak and safeguarding public health.