By Juliana E.P. Kabba
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern. The current outbreak is driven by the more dangerous Clade 1 strain, which has a mortality rate of up to 10% in previous outbreaks. This strain is more lethal than the Clade 2 variant that caused the 2022 mpox emergency. With this alarming development, the question is: Is Sierra Leone prepared to confront this looming threat?
The mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is an orthopoxvirus that causes symptoms similar to smallpox, albeit less severe. While smallpox was eradicated in 1980, mpox continues to affect regions in Central and West Africa. The virus is zoonotic, spreading from animals to humans, with transmission often occurring in areas close to tropical rainforests. Animals such as squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, and certain monkey species have been identified as carriers of the virus. Additionally, the disease can spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
In light of the threat posed by mpox, the Sierra Leonean government, through the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), has initiated several preventive measures. A high-level meeting was convened between the MoHS, NPHA, and the New Freetown International Airport (FIA) officials to discuss strategies for preventing the virus from entering the country. The meeting was held following a directive from President Julius Maada Bio, who stressed the importance of safeguarding the nation’s entry points, particularly the airport.
“We must prevent the mpox virus from gaining any foothold in Sierra Leone,” a senior government official stated. “If a case is reported, we must be ready to contain it swiftly to prevent further spread. The airport is a key frontline, and we must fortify it.”
In addition to securing the airport, the government plans to launch an extensive multimedia awareness campaign. The campaign will leverage television, radio, social media, and print media to educate the public. Messages will be tailored to reach different demographic groups and translated into local languages to ensure widespread understanding. Collaboration with community leaders, including religious figures and local chiefs, is also a priority to help build trust and overcome vaccine hesitancy.
To combat misinformation, the government intends to establish a dedicated Mpox information hotline and website. Regular press briefings by health officials will provide the public and media with accurate and up-to-date information.
Sierra Leone stands at a critical juncture. The success of these preventive measures will depend on both government action and public cooperation. As the country braces for a potential outbreak, education, vigilance, and preparedness will be key to protecting the population from the deadly mpox virus.
