AYV News, August 26, 2024
The Government of Sierra Leone has assured that, together with its partners, it is well-prepared and committed to protect the populace in any eventuality of Mpox in the country.
The government said it has put in place comprehensive preparedness and effective communication to prevent the coming of the virus in the country, adding that it is determined to prevent Mpox from reaching its shores.
The government said it is working diligently, in collaboration with local and international partners, to ensure the country is well-prepared.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13. This was followed by a declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Mpox has now spread to at least 13 African countries, including previously unaffected nations such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. These countries have reported 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths in 2024 alone, according to WHO data, with the majority of cases and fatalities occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Across the continent, suspected cases have surged past 17,000, a significant increase from 7,146 cases in 2022 and 14,957 cases in 2023.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Innocent Nuwagira said: “To date, approximately 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been recorded across all affected countries since January this year,” emphasising the close collaboration between WHO, the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and other stakeholders in strengthening Sierra Leone’s preparedness measures.
Executive Director of NPHA, Prof. Foday Sahr said: “As of today, there are no confirmed Mpox cases in Sierra Leone.
“However, we recognise the potential risk and have taken proactive steps to safeguard our population. Our surveillance systems at all points of entry, including airports, seaports and border crossings, have been enhanced. Our health personnel are well-trained and ready to identify and respond to potential cases. Additionally, we have strengthened our laboratory capabilities to ensure rapid and accurate diagnosis”.