By Ibrahim S. Bangura
In a significant step towards combating the recent Mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak in Sierra Leone, UNICEF has successfully procured and delivered 61,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine. This milestone was marked by a formal handover ceremony at Lungi International Airport, attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and civil society representatives.
Sierra Leone has a historical connection to Mpox, being one of the first countries to report a case in 1970. The resurgence of the disease in recent months prompted an urgent response from the Ministry of Health and its partners. Recognizing the severity of the situation, UNICEF, with support from GAVI and the Republic of Ireland, and technical assistance from the African CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), ensured the swift delivery of vaccines to the country.
Speaking at the arrival ceremony, UNICEF Deputy Representative Liv Elin Indrestein highlighted the collective effort involved in securing the vaccines: “The arrival of the Mpox vaccine marks the culmination of several weeks of meticulous planning by the Ministry of Health’s National Immunization Programme, with support from UNICEF and other key partners. The introduction of this vaccine will significantly help protect vulnerable groups, particularly frontline health workers and those in direct contact with confirmed cases.”
She further emphasized that vaccination alone is not enough, stating, “It should be complemented by other prevention and control measures, including risk communication and community engagement.” UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s immunization efforts to ensure the health and well-being of children and families across the country.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin H. Demby, echoed similar sentiments, expressing the government’s dedication to preventing and responding to outbreaks. He drew parallels with past public health crises, particularly the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic, and underscored how lessons learned from those experiences have helped shape a more proactive response mechanism. “His Excellency the President has taken the honor to establish an agency in this country dedicated to preventing outbreaks and responding effectively when they do occur. When the first two cases of Mpox were reported in January, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) swiftly mobilized partners to develop an effective containment plan,” said Dr. Demby.
He detailed the key strategies for combating the outbreak, including active case finding, enhanced surveillance, community engagement, and now, targeted vaccination campaigns. “We must find every case, ensure they receive proper care, and break the chain of transmission. With 61,000 vaccine doses now available, we are better equipped to protect those most at risk, including health workers and individuals aged 12 and above,” he added.
To maintain the vaccine’s effectiveness, a stringent cold chain system was established from arrival to distribution. Dr. Demby assured the public that the vaccines are safe, potent, and free for all eligible recipients. “It took record time to get these vaccines here because we have a competent team on the ground. The National Public Health Agency, in collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), worked tirelessly to develop a robust proposal that secured international support,” he explained.
Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative, highlighted the coordinated international effort that ensured the swift delivery of vaccines.
“This journey started about six weeks ago when the Honorable Minister gave the directive to ensure that Sierra Leone received vaccines as an additional tool to combat the outbreak. The technical review committee provided feedback, requiring minimal corrections, which allowed Sierra Leone to become one of the 12 African countries to receive these vaccines in record time. The seamless collaboration between government agencies and international partners made this possible,” Dr. Ameh remarked.
He further expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, stating, “I want to specifically thank our partners—the Africa CDC, GAVI, UNICEF, and the Irish Government—for their contributions. I also want to assure the Honorable Minister that we, as partners, will continue to support the national vaccination rollout to ensure that the right population receives the vaccine at the right time and in the right place.”
Representing civil society organizations (CSOs), Mr. Charles Mambo commended the government and development partners for their swift response. He stressed the importance of community engagement in ensuring the vaccine reaches the intended beneficiaries. “We are here once again witnessing the arrival of another life-saving vaccine, thanks to strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment from UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders. As CSOs, we will continue engaging communities to ensure vaccine uptake and prevent further spread,” said Mambo.
With the arrival of the vaccines, Sierra Leone is poised to intensify its fight against Mpox. UNICEF and its partners remain committed to working alongside the government to implement a robust vaccination campaign and strengthen public health systems. The collaboration between stakeholders underscores the importance of a unified approach in tackling health emergencies and safeguarding the well-being of the nation.
As vaccination efforts roll out across the country, health authorities urge the public to stay vigilant, seek medical attention if symptoms arise, and participate in preventive measures to curb the outbreak. The timely intervention by UNICEF and its partners offers renewed hope in the ongoing battle against Mpox in Sierra Leone.