By Ibrahim SorieKoroma
Senior Health Education Officer –HEP/MoH
With imminent threat of Mpox in the African Region, Sierra Leone’s Health Authorities have said that there is no recorded or confirmed case of Mpox in the country. This was revealed at a Press Briefing organized for journalists in Freetown on Tuesday 20th August, 2024.
Executive Director at the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) – Professor Foday Sahr said that currently, there is no confirmed case of Mpox in Sierra Leone but however stated that they recognize the potential risk of the disease and that they have taken proactive steps to protect the population.
Prof. Sahr assured that there is no cause for panic as they have intensified surveillance at all crossing points, including the airport and all border crossing points, adding that health workers are well-trained and ready to detect and respond to potential cases. He also underscored the importance of awareness raising through robust community engagement and collaboration with the media to pass the right message to the public so as to influence attitude and change behaviors.
Talking on prevention, the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby said that the primary focus is to deny the virus from entering the country, but if it eventually enters, the country is better prepared for early detection and containment. He emphasized the role of the public in preventing the disease as there is need for increased education of the public about the disease and correct and consistent messaging is critical in understating the disease, especially the signs which are the things community people will see for action. Dr. Demby called the public to report to the nearest health facility if they notice signs like generalized body rash (KroKro), which is one of the most common signs of the disease or call 117.
Talking on vaccination as a preventive tool, Dr. Dembyconfirmed that there is a vaccine for Mopx but it is not yet in country and the vaccine is targeted to countries that have reported cases, adding that the vaccine is limited in supply. He further advised to follow the precautionary measures as it is the best thing communities or people can do for now as we are not sure yet when the vaccine will reach the country. “Everyone is at risk of the disease, but people who are immune-compromised are at higher risk of the disease, so every effort should be made by all to prevent the disease”. Stated Dr. Demby.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Sierra Leone said that though Mpox is a serious disease, but it can be treated and called the public not to get panic. He warned that people should not be so hasty to stigmatize people suspected of the diseases or people with Mpox like signs and symptoms as it’s a disease that anyone can get. He ended by committing their continued support to the Government of Sierra Leone and Ministry of Health on issues of health and public health concerns.
