AYV News, May 27, 2025
The Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) East has successfully concluded a vibrant Media Health Walk in Kenema, under the theme “Stay Safe, Stay Informed: MPOX Prevention Starts with You.” The event, held on Saturday, brought together media practitioners, healthcare workers, and the general public in a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the prevention of Monkeypox (MpoX).
The walk began early in the morning at IDA, with statements from different individuals, including the Kenema District Medical Officer, Doctor Donald Grant. The procession made its way through the bustling streets of the city, accompanied by music, informational placards, and chants emphasising hygiene, vaccination, and the importance of staying informed about the disease.
In her opening address, the Regional Coordinator of SLRU East, Mrs. Susan Kumba Kamanda Sama, emphasised the significance of the campaign.
“Monkeypox is preventable, but only if people have access to accurate information and are proactive about hygiene and health measures. This walk is about empowering our communities to take control of their health and prevent the spread of Mpox,” Mrs Sama stated.
She informed everyone that the event is a collaboration with the national executive of the union headed by Madam Yeanor Kabbia. She called on everyone to follow the precautionary measures announced by the Ministry of Health and strictly follow them to protect ourselves.
In his statement, the District Medical Officer, Doctor Donald Grant, emphasised the need for everyone to take this fight seriously and follow the rules so as to have themselves secured at all times. He revealed that Kenema has recorded cases, and individuals are currently undergoing treatment, which needs the attention of every sector.
“I am glad for this support in raising awareness about the Mpox by the media, headed by the reporters’ union. The media has been very instrumental to us, and this is part of the many aids you have been rendering to us in promoting health campaigns at all times. We thank you very much and appeal that you also use some times during your radio programs to further raise the awareness about the Mpox. This move is indeed timely and we appreciate it very well” he stated.
The event included stops at key locations and several public markets, where information and awareness about the Mpox was shared and frequently asked questions about the disease.
One of the highlights of the event was the active participation of media professionals. Journalists from radio, television, and print outlets joined the walk, committing to use their platforms to spread awareness.
Alhaji Maniaka Kamara, the National Secretary General for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalist-SLAJ, and one of the Presidential Aspirants for the said Association, expressed his enthusiasm:
“As members of the media, we must ensure that accurate and timely information reaches every corner of our community. Initiatives like this strengthen our resolve to be part of the solution.”
Kamara called on all media practitioners to always play safe, be part of national discussions professionally, as well as call on media practitioners to take the vaccine when available.
“This is really sick, and let us prevent and protect ourselves, let us always obey and follow the health measures”, he stated.
Statements of sensitisation and peace were made by three of the aspirants contesting for the regional chairmanship of the SLAJ East position: Philip Koroma, Kamal Mohamed Barrie and Mohamed Saidu Janneh. Two other aspirants present at the health walk who also made statements were Ibrahim Kokowai Musa-aspirant for the national organising secretary of SLAJ, and Theophilus Sahr Gbenda, going for the assistant secretary of SLAJ.
As the event concluded at the SLAJ-East Secretariat located on Maada Bio Street in Kenema, with a brief health forum, participants reflected on the importance of collective action in tackling public health challenges in the district and the country at large.
The Media Health Walk demonstrated the power of education, community engagement, and proactive measures in the fight against diseases like Mpox.
