Sierra Leone health workers line up for mpox jab amid growing outbreak
April 23, 2025
Sierra Leone has launched its first mpox vaccination campaign, prioritizing frontline health workers, close contacts of infected individuals, and security personnel. The drive follows a surge in cases since January, with 477 infections and three deaths. The 61,300 doses—58,300 from Gavi and the rest from Ireland—are being administered in hotspots, including at Freetown’s 34 Military Hospital. With community transmission now widespread, health officials are coupling immunization with public awareness campaigns to break the chain of infection. The campaign, backed by Africa CDC, WHO, and UNICEF, marks a crucial step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s outbreak response and protecting its most vulnerable.
In response to a rising mpox outbreak, Sierra Leone has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the disease, which has killed three and infected more than 477 since January. On the frontlines is 34 Military Hospital in Freetown, a facility with experience managing epidemics like Ebola and COVID-19. Operating at full capacity, its medical team has welcomed the arrival of 61,300 vaccine doses—58,300 provided by Gavi and the rest by Ireland—as a vital resource. Health workers, security personnel, and close contacts of mpox patients are being prioritized for immunization, with additional outreach planned in affected communities.
Captain Adama Kamara, the clinical lead at the hospital’s Mpox Treatment Center, reported no significant hesitancy among staff, noting that vaccinations have proceeded smoothly with only minor side effects. In parallel, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has deployed community mobilizers to promote preventive behaviors, including hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Health Minister Austin Demby and other leaders received the vaccine publicly to encourage uptake. The vaccine campaign also includes plans for family immunization in hotspot neighborhoods. According to Amanda Clemens from the Expanded Programme for Immunization, these combined efforts aim to break the chain of transmission now spreading rapidly within communities.
Sierra Leone is the 14th African Union member state to roll out mpox vaccines, joining a growing continental effort supported by Africa CDC, WHO, and UNICEF. With an average of 26 beds per facility, expanding capacity and accelerating vaccine distribution remain critical. As new treatment centers open and more doses arrive, health officials are emphasizing early testing and community engagement to contain the virus. The campaign offers a glimmer of hope and a roadmap for other nations confronting similar public health threats.