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Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone is currently grappling with a significant surge in mpox (monkeypox) infections, with health authorities reporting 177 new cases over a recent two-day period. This spike comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to contain the virus, which has prompted the declaration of a public health emergency earlier this year.
Since January 2025, Sierra Leone has recorded a total of 763 mpox cases, including six deaths and 282 recoveries, according to the National Public Health Agency. The capital city, Freetown, remains the hardest hit, leading the government to establish four specialized treatment centers since February.
Amanda Clemens, social mobilization coordinator for the Ministry of Health, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that health teams are actively conducting household screenings to identify and isolate suspected cases. However, misinformation and fear surrounding mpox continue to hinder early diagnosis and treatment. “Some individuals delay seeking medical assistance or avoid testing altogether, potentially spreading the virus unknowingly,” explained Sallu Lansana from the ministry’s vaccination team.
In response, Sierra Leone launched a vaccination campaign in early April targeting frontline health workers, high-risk groups, and children aged 12 and above. Over 1,000 people, predominantly women in healthcare roles, have received the vaccine so far. The country secured 61,300 doses through the World Health Organization (WHO) and development partners, aiming to curb the outbreak’s momentum. Desmond Maada Kangbai, head of the vaccination program, highlighted the critical role of immunization in protecting vulnerable populations.
Mpox, caused by a virus related to smallpox, presents with symptoms including high fever and distinctive skin lesions known as vesicles. Although first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, the disease remained largely confined to parts of Africa until a global spread beginning in 2022. The WHO elevated its alert level to the highest tier in 2024, underscoring the growing international concern.
Sierra Leone’s health system is still recovering from the devastating Ebola epidemic of 2014-2016, which claimed approximately 4,000 lives, including nearly 7% of the country’s health workers. The current mpox outbreak poses a renewed challenge to the resilience of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of April 27, 2025, sourced from the National Public Health Agency of Sierra Leone and the World Health Organization. The situation is evolving, and readers are advised to consult official health channels for the latest updates and guidance.
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