By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Professor Foday Sahr, who is the Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has informed journalists that the country has recorded 38 cases of MPOX, with 22 patients successfully discharged and no fatalities reported.
Professor Sahr provided a comprehensive update on the situation during a briefing of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) at Miata Conference Hall, March 5, 2025.
According to the latest data, Western Area Urban has been the most affected region, followed by Western Area Rural. As part of the government’s containment strategy, health officials have been conducting rigorous contact tracing, identifying 406 individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Of those, 366 have already completed their 21-day monitoring period, indicating that there is still ongoing community transmission.
In response to the MPOX outbreak, the government has secured vaccines that will soon be distributed to frontline healthcare workers and other vulnerable groups. This vaccination campaign aims to reduce the spread of the disease and protect those most at risk of infection. The NPHA continues to monitor the situation closely and has reassured the public that efforts are being made to keep the virus under control.
MPOX, also known as Monkey pox, is a viral disease that can cause fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While it is rarely fatal, the current outbreak has raised concerns due to the rate of transmission in affected areas. Professor Sahr urged the public to remain vigilant, adhere to public health guidelines, and report any suspected cases promptly.
Alongside the MPOX update, Professor Sahr also addressed the ongoing Kush epidemic, a highly contagious illness affecting several regions. To bolster the country’s healthcare infrastructure, the government plans to open new treatment centres in the next three weeks. These centres will be located in Bo, Daru, and Bombali, all areas severely impacted by the Kush epidemic. The new facilities are intended to improve access to medical care for affected individuals and ensure a more effective response to the disease.
In his remarks, Professor Sahr emphasized that treatment for both MPOX and Kush remains free for all affected individuals. He urged those who believe they may be at risk to seek medical help without delay, assuring them that they will receive the care they need at no cost.
The Sierra Leonean government’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing further spread of these dangerous diseases. As both outbreaks continue to evolve, the NPHA remains on high alert and is working tirelessly to protect the population.
