On 9th June, 2025, in a critical move to combat the ongoing mpox outbreak, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MoH), National Public Health Agency (NPHA), and Freetown City Council, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Sierra Leone, have inaugurated a 50-bed mpox treatment center in Calaba Town, Freetown.
This facility strengthens public health infrastructure by providing specialized care, case management, infection prevention, and enhanced surveillance. It also plays a crucial role in contact tracing, community education, and risk communication to reduce stigma and improve early symptom recognition.
Speaking on the response efforts, Dr. Sia Y. Fasuluku, District Medical Officer (DMO) for Western Urban Area, stressed the urgent need for early detection, improved diagnostics, and sustained public health interventions to curb transmission and prevent severe cases.
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease that poses serious risks, especially for immunocompromised individuals. Without proper medical care, outbreaks can strain health systems. Sierra Leone’s proactive response builds on lessons from previous epidemics like Ebola, ensuring technical expertise and logistical support through MSF.
Authorities continue to emphasize the need for strengthening diagnostic capacity for early detection, expanding vaccination efforts if vaccines become available, and maintaining community engagement to foster trust and cooperation.
The public is urged to report symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes immediately by calling the emergency helpline 117, avoid contact with infected individuals or animals, and follow hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing.
Health officials have also assured the public that vaccines, when available, will be administered free of charge, and treatment at all mpox treatment facilities remains completely free.
This initiative not only addresses the current outbreak but also strengthens Sierra Leone’s resilience against future public health emergencies.
For updates, follow the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone, National Public Health Agency, and MSF Sierra Leone.
Credit: Public Relations Unit NPHA-SL
