Sierra Leone’s determined battle against the Mpox virus has achieved a significant milestone, with the Ministry of Health announcing a dramatic and sustained decline in infections across the nation. This encouraging update was delivered by Health Minister, Dr. Austin Demby, during a pivotal one-day National Discourse on Mpox Response held at the Atlantic Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. The event convened a broad coalition of stakeholders, including senior government officials, national and international health experts, civil society representatives, and key development partners, all focused on consolidating the gains made.
Detailing the epidemiological journey, Dr. Demby reported that since Sierra Leone confirmed its first two Mpox cases in January 2025, the country has recorded a total of more than 5,000 infections. However, the current situation reflects a remarkable turnaround: over 4,900 patients have successfully recovered, representing a recovery rate exceeding 98%. Crucially, the number of active cases has plummeted to just 84 nationwide. Of these remaining cases, approximately 90% are receiving dedicated care within specialized health facilities, while the remaining 10% are under stringent monitoring protocols to ensure their well-being and prevent further transmission.
Minister Demby attributed this steep decline to a series of decisive and coordinated public health interventions implemented swiftly by the government and its partners. Key among these was the rapid establishment of dedicated Mpox response centers in strategic locations, including Hastings, Calabatown, and Port Loko, providing accessible testing, care, and information. The creation of specialized isolation units within major government hospitals ensured safe and effective treatment for severe cases.
A critical strategy involved the careful removal of infected individuals from home settings for centralized care in these facilities, significantly reducing household and community spread. Furthermore, intensified contact tracing efforts, coupled with a robust and targeted surveillance system, allowed health authorities to quickly identify and contain potential outbreaks before they could gain momentum.
The Health Minister also highlighted the vital role of Sierra Leone’s proactive vaccination campaign. The successful securing of over 200,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine enabled the protection of high-risk populations and healthcare workers, creating a crucial barrier against the virus’s spread. Dr. Demby explicitly praised the government’s direct financial commitment, noting the allocation of $1.7 million specifically to bolster the national response, which facilitated the rapid deployment of these life-saving measures and resources.
While celebrating the substantial progress, officials emphasized that the work continues relentlessly. The resounding message from the National Discourse, echoed by Dr. Demby and other leaders, is that the ultimate and unwavering goal remains the complete elimination of the virus from Sierra Leone: achieving zero Mpox cases. The current sharp decline provides strong evidence that this ambitious target is now within reach, bolstered by the sustained implementation of proven strategies and the continued vigilance of the health system and communities.