Freetown, Sierra Leone – The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has announced plans to take strong enforcement action against individuals and businesses failing to comply with public health measures aimed at curbing the rapid spread of the Mpox virus in Sierra Leone.
According to the Agency’s Executive Director, Professor Foday Sahr, the surge in Mpox cases has prompted the need for stricter control.
He disclosed that enforcement teams would begin arresting those found flouting health restrictions.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action, including arrests, against anyone—individuals or business entities—who fail to comply with the guidelines,” Prof. Sahr stated.
He further warned that defaulters would face heavy fines and other punitive measures as part of efforts to protect public health and halt the spread of the virus.
The Agency also confirmed that inspections and enforcement raids on public and commercial premises would commence immediately to ensure full compliance with previously issued health directives.
Sierra Leone is currently grappling with a significant surge in Mpox cases, marking one of the most severe outbreaks in the country to date. The first confirmed cases emerged in January 2025, prompting the government to declare a public health emergency. Since then, the situation has escalated.
As of May 9, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation reported a total of 1,675 confirmed Mpox cases nationwide, with 72 new cases and one additional death recorded in the latest update. The virus is spreading aggressively, particularly in the western and rural areas of Freetown.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has expressed deep concern over the outbreak, noting that Sierra Leone reported 384 confirmed cases in a single week, accounting for over 50% of all cases on the continent during that period. This sharp increase represents a 63% jump in confirmed cases in just one week.
In response to the escalating crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to contain the outbreak. In November 2024, WHO facilitated the training of 65 health workers and laboratory personnel in diagnostic procedures and sample collection. Additionally, 160 health workers were trained on an integrated approach covering surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory practices, and risk communication.
The Mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that spreads through close contact and typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While it is usually mild, it can be lethal, especially in vulnerable populations. The WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency in August 2024 due to the continuing rise in the number of cases and the geographic spread of the outbreak.
The current outbreak in Sierra Leone is part of a broader resurgence of the virus in parts of West and Central Africa. The Africa CDC has warned of a potential regional health threat if swift containment measures are not implemented.
How can we have the medical treatment for this disease please 🙏 help us