Sierra Leone’s mpox outbreak puts Ebola, COVID-19 lessons to the test
February 5, 2025
Sierra Leone’s health workers are leveraging past experiences from the Ebola and COVID-19 epidemics to contain a growing mpox outbreak, with 20 cases confirmed since the public health emergency declaration on January 13. Authorities have established treatment centers, activated testing facilities, and strengthened contact tracing across seven affected districts. Surveillance systems and district emergency operations centers have been reactivated, ensuring rapid response to emerging cases. International partners, including WHO and Save the Children, are supporting vaccine procurement, training health workers, and educating the public. These coordinated efforts aim to contain mpox, protect vulnerable populations, and prevent further transmission.
Sierra Leone is drawing on its hard-earned experience from past epidemics to combat an escalating mpox outbreak. Since declaring a public health emergency on January 13, health authorities have recorded 20 cases, with 10 recoveries and no reported fatalities. The government has swiftly established treatment centers, activated three major testing laboratories in Freetown and an additional facility in the eastern region, and strengthened contact tracing across seven affected districts.
With the highest number of cases reported in urban areas—particularly in Freetown—authorities are monitoring over 200 close contacts and ramping up containment efforts. The National Public Health Emergency has reactivated District Emergency Operations Centers (DEOCs), ensuring that emergency protocols are followed. Training sessions and readiness drills are underway, equipping healthcare workers with the tools needed to manage the outbreak effectively.
The WHO has identified Clade IIb as the circulating strain in Sierra Leone, raising concerns as outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond are being driven by Clades Ia and Ib. In response, the government is working closely with WHO to secure vaccines for frontline health workers and high-risk populations.
Public education and community engagement remain central to the response. Save the Children has launched a nationwide prevention and awareness campaign targeting over one million children and families. Additionally, international partners like Health and Development in Action (HEADA) have provided testing kits and training to improve diagnostic capabilities.
With well-equipped reference laboratories and strengthened disease surveillance, Sierra Leone is making significant strides in controlling the outbreak. By integrating lessons from past epidemics with proactive response measures, the country is reinforcing its health system to mitigate the impact of mpox and prevent further transmission.