By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a decisive move to prevent the further spread of Monkeypox (Mpox) across Sierra Leone, the Government has issued a set of comprehensive public health regulations aimed at curtailing the outbreak and protecting communities nationwide.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with the National Public Health Agency, announced Monday that the new measures would apply to all public spaces, including workplaces, schools, markets, and places of worship. The regulations come in response to a recent increase in Mpox cases reported in several districts, raising concerns among health officials and prompting swift government action.
Key among the new directives is the mandatory daily disinfection of shared items and public spaces, particularly areas and surfaces that are frequently touched. These include door handles, desks, chairs, railings, and shared equipment.
Citizens are also required to maintain at least one meter (approximately three feet) of distance between individuals in any public setting. Authorities emphasize the need to avoid overcrowding by staggering work hours, public events, or religious gatherings where feasible.
Physical contact is strongly discouraged, with the government explicitly banning handshakes and hugs in public interactions. Additionally, hand hygiene is being reinforced through the provision of handwashing stations at all entry and exit points in public buildings, schools, and transport hubs.
“All surfaces that are frequently touched must be cleaned at least once daily,” said Dr. Emmanuel Lansana, Director of Disease Surveillance at the National Public Health Agency. “We are urging the public to treat this guidance seriously. Monkeypox is preventable, but only if we act collectively and responsibly.”
In an effort to ensure the widest possible public awareness, the regulations also require the display of Mpox prevention posters in local languages across all community centers and public institutions. Every establishment is further mandated to appoint a health focal person responsible for overseeing adherence to these measures.
Healthcare providers and the public are advised to report any signs of Mpox, such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, immediately to local health authorities. The government has also called for full cooperation with contact tracing efforts, including the monitoring of individuals exposed to confirmed cases for a period of 21 days.
Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation, said the regulations are not meant to alarm the public but to prevent a wider health crisis. “We are implementing these proactive steps to protect our citizens and keep our health system from being overwhelmed,” he stated. “Public health is a shared responsibility.”
The government has also urged all sectors—religious institutions, schools, employers, and transport unions—to comply with and help enforce the regulations. Non-compliance, officials say, may result in administrative penalties in accordance with public health laws.
As the global community continues to confront Mpox outbreaks, Sierra Leone’s approach reflects a growing trend of precautionary, science-based responses that aim to halt virus transmission through behavioral change and improved hygiene practices.
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and make adjustments to the regulations as needed.
For now, the message is clear: prevention is the best defense, and the responsibility lies with everyone.
