Sierra Leone has officially received 61,300 doses of the MVA-BN Mpox vaccine, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s efforts to combat the ongoing Mpox outbreak.
This allocation, facilitated by global health organizations including Africa CDC, CEPI, Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO, underscores the government’s commitment to swiftly address public health emergencies.
The vaccines, recommended for individuals aged 12 and older, will be prioritized for frontline healthcare workers and populations in vulnerable or high-risk areas.
Sierra Leone is among 12 African countries to receive these critical vaccines, aiming to curb the spread of the disease effectively.
Upon receiving the shipment at Freetown International Airport, Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby emphasized the importance of vaccination in disease prevention and urged all eligible individuals to participate in the vaccination program.
He highlighted the government’s dedication to public safety and praised the collaborative efforts of national and international partners in facilitating the vaccine’s timely arrival.
The National Public Health Agency, in collaboration with the National Immunization Program, is leading the vaccine rollout. Dr. George Ameh, WHO Representative to Sierra Leone, noted that while vaccination is a crucial tool, it must be complemented by effective risk communication and public health control measures to maximize impact.
This development follows the government’s declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency on January 16, 2025, after confirming two cases. Since then, the country has reported 20 cases and has been intensifying efforts to control the outbreak.
With the support of global health organizations and local partners, Sierra Leone is taking decisive steps to mitigate the impact of the Mpox outbreak and protect its population.
