Lungi, February 25, 2025
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has officially received an allocation of 61,300 doses of the MVA-BN Mpox vaccine, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to combat the Mpox outbreak. This allocation, facilitated through Africa CDC, CEPI, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and other global health partners, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening its public health response.
Sierra Leone is now among 12 African countries to have received this crucial vaccine, which will be prioritized for frontline healthcare workers, vulnerable communities, and outbreak-prone areas. The vaccines are recommended for individuals 12 years and older, reinforcing the government’s strategy to curb the spread of the disease.
Receiving the drugs on behalf of the government and the people of Sierra Leone, Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, underscored the significance of this incredible achievement stressing the president’s unwavering commitment to secure public safety. He urged all eligible individuals to take full advantage of the vaccination program, emphasizing that vaccines are a powerful tool in disease prevention.
He said; this is a significant step forward in our battle against this life-threatening disease. With the coordinated efforts of our healthcare teams and partners, we are optimistic of defeating this outbreak.”
He also commended the National Public Health Agency and the National Immunization Program for their swift action and leadership in facilitating the timely arrival of the vaccines.
The Minister assured all partners of the Ministry’s commitment for an effective rollout of the vaccines.
During the official handover of the vaccines at the Freetown International Airport, Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), expressed gratitude to all partners for their continued support to the country’s public health efforts. He emphasized that the vaccine supply would significantly bolster national efforts in containing the disease and preventing further outbreaks. In his remarks, Dr. George Ameh, WHO Representative to Sierra Leone, highlighted that vaccination alone is not enough and must be complemented by effective risk communication and public health control measures to ensure maximum impact.
Evans Mosonik, speaking on behalf of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), reinforced the organization’s dedication to supporting Sierra Leone’s Mpox response through technical assistance and collaboration.
The government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health, remains firmly focused on strengthening surveillance, enhancing public awareness, and working closely with communities to improve public awareness and knowledge about the Mpox outbreak.
With continued support from global health organizations and local partners, Sierra Leone is taking decisive steps towards mitigating the impact of the Mpox outbreak and protecting its population.