The Government of Sierra Leone, through its National Public Health Agency and in collaboration with the Regional Center for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC), is intensifying efforts to combat the ongoing mpox outbreak.
On 13th June 2025, a specialized team from the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) arrived in Port Loko to set up a mobile laboratory at the Port Loko Government Hospital. This facility is designed to enhance detection and containment measures, serving not only Port Loko but also nearby districts such as Kambia and Karene.
Under the leadership of Madam Doris Harding, Laboratory Pillar Lead at the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), the deployment of this lab is a major milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s diagnostic capacity. Her oversight has ensured a seamless setup, with a focus on integrating advanced testing technologies and coordinating with local and regional health experts to maximize efficiency.
Equipped with advanced PCR testing capabilities, the mobile lab enables rapid and accurate diagnoses while utilizing informatics tools to distinguish mpox from similar conditions like cowpox and chickenpox. This approach ensures precise case identification and an effective response strategy.
The Port Loko laboratory was strategically positioned to address the growing need for decentralized testing, reducing delays caused by transporting samples to distant facilities. The IPD technical team swiftly established the lab within one hour, deploying two mobile laboratories, real-time PCR platforms, and Illumina sequencing equipment capable of processing 40 samples in 17 hours. Additional supplies are sufficient to test at least 800 samples.
The deployment was made possible through funding from the West African Health Organization (WAHO), emphasizing regional collaboration in outbreak response. The new laboratory not only enhances testing capacity but also serves as a training ground for local laboratory technicians, ensuring sustained expertise beyond the immediate crisis.
Upon their arrival, the IPD team was warmly welcomed by officials, including Madam Harding, the Director of the National Public Health Reference Laboratories, an expert from ECOWAS RCSDC, and laboratory staff from Port Loko Government Hospital. Their dedication and swift action have been met with sincere appreciation.
This collaboration reinforces the importance of regional partnerships in strengthening public health systems and improving outbreak preparedness in Sierra Leone. By integrating cutting-edge laboratory technology and rapid case detection, this initiative marks a significant advancement in real-time genomic surveillance and epidemic control efforts.
Public Relations Unit NPHA-SL
