On June 9th, 2025, Sierra Leone marked a significant milestone in its fight against the ongoing mpox outbreak with the inauguration of a dedicated 50-bed treatment center in Calaba Town, Freetown. This vital facility is a collaborative effort between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MoH), the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), the Freetown City Council, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Sierra Leone, demonstrating a united front against the viral disease. The center is poised to significantly bolster the nation’s public health infrastructure by offering specialized medical care, robust case management, stringent infection prevention protocols, and enhanced surveillance capabilities. Beyond direct patient care, the facility will serve as a hub for critical public health initiatives, including comprehensive contact tracing, vital community education, and proactive risk communication aimed at dispelling stigma and encouraging early symptom recognition among the populace.
Dr. Sia Y. Fasuluku, District Medical Officer (DMO) for the Western Urban Area, underscored the critical importance of early detection, improved diagnostics, and sustained public health interventions in curbing the transmission of mpox and preventing severe outcomes. Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease formerly known as monkeypox, presents serious health risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, and unchecked outbreaks can severely strain healthcare systems. Sierra Leone’s proactive and decisive response to the current outbreak draws valuable lessons from its experiences with previous epidemics, such as Ebola, leveraging established partnerships to ensure the availability of crucial technical expertise and logistical support through organizations like MSF.
Authorities continue to prioritize strengthening diagnostic capacity to facilitate rapid early detection, expanding vaccination efforts as soon as vaccines become available, and sustaining robust community engagement to cultivate trust and foster cooperation among citizens. The public is strongly urged to immediately report any symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes by contacting the emergency helpline 117. Furthermore, individuals are advised to avoid contact with infected individuals or animals and to diligently adhere to hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing. In a crucial assurance to the public, health officials have confirmed that any mpox vaccines, once procured, will be administered free of charge, and all treatment received at mpox facilities will remain entirely free of cost. This comprehensive initiative not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the current outbreak, but also significantly enhances Sierra Leone’s overall resilience and preparedness for future public health emergencies. For ongoing updates and information, the public is encouraged to follow the official channels of the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone, the National Public Health Agency, and MSF Sierra Leone.