Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has raised concerns over the escalating number of Monkeypox (MPox) cases in Sierra Leone, attributing the surge largely to public failure in adhering to health protocols and medical guidance.
Addressing Parliament on the latest status of the outbreak, Dr. Demby disclosed that over 2,100 cases have been recorded since January 2025, with 12 confirmed deaths, mostly among individuals with underlying health conditions. The Western Area has been identified as the hardest-hit region.
“The outbreak is worsening daily because people are not following the directives from healthcare professionals,” Dr. Demby told lawmakers. He emphasized the need for infected individuals to be relocated from their homes to specialized treatment centers to limit community transmission and ensure proper care.
As part of the Ministry’s response, treatment capacity has been expanded nationwide. Facilities include a newly equipped 400-bed treatment center in Hastings, a 100-bed facility in Calaba Town, an Infectious Disease Hospital in Port Loko, and isolation units at the 34 Military Hospital and other key hospitals.
Dr. Demby also stressed the importance of preventive measures, promoting the “ABC formula” — Avoid Body Contact — alongside frequent handwashing and sanitization. He urged citizens to contact the national emergency line, 117, if they suspect infection, and to avoid contact with others during recovery, which typically spans two to three weeks with hospital care.
On the vaccine front, the Health Minister revealed that Sierra Leone currently holds around 63,000 MPox vaccine doses. However, he noted that global supply remains limited, and the available vaccines are being prioritized for high-risk groups such as frontline healthcare workers, affected households, and people with pre-existing conditions.
“The vaccine does not prevent infection outright, but it helps strengthen the immune system’s response to the virus,” he explained, warning against illegal vaccine sales and reaffirming that treatment at government facilities remains free of charge.
Dr. Demby concluded by announcing plans for new healthcare regulations and confirmed that the Ministry is actively engaging international partners, including India, the UAE, WHO, and GAVI, for further vaccine support.
