AYV News, July 2, 2025
In a significant boost to the healthcare response against the Mpox outbreak in Sierra Leone, the Port Loko Regional Hospital has been equipped with a modern Mpox laboratory and a 44-bed treatment facility.
This development comes as part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to combat the rising number of Mpox cases, particularly in the northwest region. Facilitated through the Ministry of Health, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s capacity to detect, isolate, and manage infectious diseases efficiently.
The 44-bed facility is fully air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for patients undergoing treatment and recovery. This upgrade is expected to enhance clinical outcomes and alleviate the burden on other healthcare centres in the region.
With adequate space, proper ventilation, and round-the-clock staffing, the treatment centre is designed to manage both mild and severe cases of Mpox, offering timely care and minimising transmission risks.
One of the key highlights of the hospital’s upgrade is the establishment of a state-of-the-art Mpox laboratory, capable of analysing tests within 2-3 hours, with results communicated in less than 12 hours, which is half the previous turnaround time.
This rapid diagnostic capacity significantly reduces the waiting time for results, enabling quicker medical interventions and timely contact tracing. The laboratory is not only supporting Port Loko Regional Hospital but is also serving as a critical referral point for surrounding health facilities across the northwest, centralising Mpox testing in the region.
Speaking to the Public Trust Media, the Medical Superintendent of Port Loko Regional Hospital, Dr. Yusuf Sheku Tejan, expressed gratitude for the government’s support and highlighted the importance of timely interventions in outbreak management.
“This facility comes at a crucial time. We are now able to detect cases early, isolate them, and begin treatment immediately. This has helped build confidence among health workers and the public, and we hope to see a significant decline in community transmission,” Dr. Tejan noted.
As Mpox continues to pose a public health challenge in parts of Sierra Leone, the enhancement of regional medical infrastructure, such as the improvements at Port Loko Regional Hospital, represents a proactive strategy in epidemic preparedness and response.
The government has reaffirmed its dedication to decentralising health services and equipping regional hospitals with the tools and facilities they need to serve their communities effectively.
