Freetown, May 24, 2025 — In a bid to curb the spread of Mpox across the country, the Government of Sierra Leone has introduced stringent public health regulations targeting public places, institutions, and religious gatherings.
The new rules, which take effect today, were jointly issued by the National Public Health Agency and the Ministry of Health and will remain in force until further notice.
The measures, grounded in the Public Health Act of 2022 and aligned with the International Health Regulations (2005), aim to strengthen prevention, detection, and control of the disease in high-traffic and communal areas.
The new guidelines cover a broad range of spaces including markets, transportation hubs, educational institutions, offices, correctional facilities, and houses of worship such as churches and mosques.
Key measures include:
* Hygiene Enforcement:** All entry and exit points must have handwashing facilities, and frequently touched surfaces are to be disinfected daily.
* Surveillance and Monitoring: Designated health personnel are to monitor symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and coordinate contact tracing and 21-day monitoring of suspected cases.
* Social Distancing: A minimum distance of one meter must be maintained in public and religious spaces, and crowd control measures such as staggered services are encouraged.
* Protective Behavior: The public is urged to avoid physical contact including handshakes and hugs. Symptomatic individuals must stay at home and contact health authorities via the 117 hotline.
* Public Awareness: Institutions are required to share Mpox-related information during events and assemblies, while also educating staff and attendees on symptom recognition and prevention.
* Focus on Vulnerable Groups: High-risk individuals, such as healthcare workers, the elderly, children, and immunocompromised persons, are encouraged to avoid crowded spaces and participate in targeted vaccination campaigns.
Authorities have warned that failure to comply with the new directives could endanger public health and safety.
The directive was signed by Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency.
Officials emphasize that public cooperation is essential in preventing a widespread outbreak and safeguarding the nation’s health.
