Lungi, Port Loko District, Sierra Leone – In a significant boost to Sierra Leone’s fight against the Mpox virus, the United Arab Emirates has donated 20,000 doses of Mpox vaccines, handed over during a brief ceremony at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi on Wednesday.
The vaccines, a generous gift from the UAE government, aim to support Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
The donation underscores the enduring ties between Sierra Leone and the UAE, reflecting both nations’ commitment to fostering robust diplomatic and health partnerships.
Speaking at the handover, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, highlighted the strong personal relationship between President Julius Maada Bio and UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Ambassador Sesay emphasized that the vaccines arrive at a critical juncture as the country battles rising cases of Mpox.
He extended his gratitude to the UAE government and people for their unwavering support.
Accepting the vaccines on behalf of the Sierra Leonean government, Acting Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Charles Senessie, lauded the UAE’s timely assistance. He described the donation as a powerful demonstration of trust in President Bio’s leadership and his dedication to improving health services for all Sierra Leoneans.
Dr. Senessie reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the vaccines are deployed effectively to protect the population.
The World Health Organization’s Country Representative, Dr. George Ameh, commended Sierra Leone’s response to the outbreak, noting that the country has adhered closely to global best practices.
He described the vaccines as a “game changer,” arriving just when the nation needs them most to reinforce its Mpox containment strategy.
This latest partnership between Sierra Leone and the UAE highlights the importance of international solidarity in addressing public health emergencies and strengthens the bond between the two nations.
