By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Wang Qing, has donated a cheque of $50,000 to the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency to support the country’s ongoing response to the Mpox outbreak.
The donation comes at a critical time, as Sierra Leone continues to battle a surge in Mpox cases. According to recent data from the Ministry of Health, the country has recorded nearly 4,000 confirmed cases, with over 3,000 recoveries and 20 deaths since the outbreak began.
Presenting the cheque, Ambassador Wang Qing reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s public health efforts. He praised the country’s swift response and collaborative initiatives aimed at containing the virus, highlighting that China stands with Sierra Leone in this time of need.
“We recognize the challenges Sierra Leone is facing, and we are here to offer our support in any way we can,” Ambassador Wang said. “Our partnership with the Ministry of Health reflects our shared commitment to protecting lives and building resilient health systems.”
The $50,000 donation is expected to enhance the ministry’s Mpox response strategies, including case management, medical supplies, risk communication, and support for frontline health workers.
In a major boost to the country’s healthcare infrastructure, the Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)- Sierra Leone, recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art 50-bed Mpox treatment centre in Freetown. The facility is equipped to deliver specialised care and play a central role in managing the outbreak.
The treatment centre provides comprehensive services including clinical case management, infection prevention and control, and advanced diagnostic support. It is also designed to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, and risk communication — vital components in breaking the chain of transmission.
“The opening of this facility marks a significant milestone in our fight against Mpox,” said Dr. Sia Y. Fasuluku, District Medical Officer (DMO) for the Western Urban Area. “But the battle is far from over. We must focus on early detection, improved diagnostics, and consistent public health interventions if we are to reduce severe cases and halt the spread.”
Dr. Fasuluku emphasized the importance of community involvement, particularly in contact tracing and stigma reduction, noting that misinformation and fear continue to hinder timely reporting and treatment, urging community leaders and media outlets to help spread accurate information.
“Our goal is not only to treat but also to educate,” she added. “Community awareness and early symptom recognition are key to controlling the outbreak.”
MSF- Sierra Leone has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health through technical expertise, training of health workers, and supply of essential medical materials. The humanitarian organization has played a critical role in past health crises in Sierra Leone, including the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The new Mpox treatment centre also serves as a training hub for healthcare workers from other districts, ensuring that best practices in Mpox case management are replicated across the country.
Public health officials are calling for continued support from international partners, including financial aid, logistical support, and knowledge sharing. They stress that a multi-sectoral approach — involving local authorities, international partners, and civil society — is essential for a successful containment strategy.
As Sierra Leone navigates this latest health challenge, the government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and community-focused interventions. The Ministry of Health has urged citizens to adhere to preventive guidelines, report symptoms early, and avoid spreading misinformation.
With the support of global partners like China and organizations like MSF, Sierra Leone hopes to not only manage the current outbreak but also strengthen its health system’s preparedness for future public health threats.
