Sierra Leone Implements Public Health Emergency Following Mpox Outbreak

Department of Research, Studies and International News 14-01-2025

In response to the confirmation of two recent cases of mpox, the government of Sierra Leone has declared a state of public health emergency. This announcement highlights the urgency of containing the spread of the disease, which poses a serious health threat.

On Monday, Health Minister Austin Demby addressed the media in the capital city of Freetown, stating that the declaration is in accordance with the Public Health Act. “The emergence of two mpox cases in our country necessitates immediate and decisive action,” Demby announced. “In light of this situation, I am officially declaring a public health emergency on behalf of the government of Sierra Leone.”

This decision comes shortly after Sierra Leone recorded its first confirmed case of mpox. The case was identified last week, marking a significant development since the African Union’s health authorities declared mpox a public health emergency across the continent in 2023. A second case followed soon after, involving a 21-year-old man who began exhibiting symptoms on January 6.

The National Public Health Agency disclosed that neither of the two confirmed cases had a history of recent contact with infected individuals or animals. The first case did, however, involve limited travel to Lungi, a town near the airport in the northern Port Loko District, between December 26 and January 6. Both patients are currently receiving medical care in a Freetown hospital.

Health Minister Demby emphasized that the declaration of a public health emergency grants the government and health authorities the ability to swiftly mobilize resources. This includes containing the spread of the virus, ensuring adequate medical care for patients, and implementing preventive measures. “Our priority is to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further infections,” Demby explained.

The minister also unveiled a series of proactive measures to manage the outbreak, including heightened surveillance at border points, expanded testing capabilities, and the launch of a national awareness campaign. Drawing on the country’s experience in handling previous public health crises, such as the devastating Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, Demby assured the public of the health system’s preparedness. He urged citizens to stay informed, report suspected cases promptly, and remain calm.

Mpox, also referred to as monkeypox, is caused by a virus related to smallpox. Symptoms include high fever and skin lesions known as vesicles. Originally identified in 1958 following outbreaks in monkeys, the disease was primarily confined to Central and West Africa, affecting individuals who came into close contact with infected animals.

However, the virus’s transmission patterns have evolved. In 2022, global outbreaks revealed its ability to spread through close human contact, including sexual activity, leading to cases in over 70 countries where mpox was previously unheard of.

Africa remains the most affected region, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) bearing the heaviest burden. In 2023 alone, the DRC recorded approximately 43,000 suspected cases and 1,000 fatalities.

Sierra Leone’s declaration also brings back painful memories of the Ebola epidemic that devastated the nation between 2014 and 2016. During that crisis, the country lost nearly 4,000 lives, including a significant portion of its healthcare workforce. Lessons learned from managing that tragedy have equipped Sierra Leone with the tools and experience needed to respond to the current mpox outbreak effectively.

As the nation braces itself to tackle this emerging health challenge, authorities remain focused on containing the virus, safeguarding public health, and minimizing disruptions to daily life.