Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone has reported a decline in active Mpox cases, moving from a peak of over 2,000 active infections to just 63 currently under monitoring. Health officials are calling it a promising sign in the country’s ongoing fight against the virus but are urging the public not to let their guard down.
Austin Demby, Minister of Health, addressed the media earlier today as he oversaw the arrival of 67,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine, supplied by the U.S. government. The shipment is part of a broader global partnership aimed at curbing the spread of the virus across West Africa.
“We’ve moved from 2,000 active Mpox cases to 63 currently. But it’s not time to celebrate it’s time to be cautiously optimistic,” said Dr. Demby. “This progress reflects the hard work of our healthcare teams and the determination of the Sierra Leonean people.”
The new vaccine doses are expected to be distributed nationwide, with a priority focus on high-risk areas and vulnerable populations.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that mobile clinics and community outreach programs will be deployed to increase vaccine accessibility, especially in rural regions.
Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, spread again in many African nations in late 2023 and into 2024. Sierra Leone was one of the hardest hit countries in the region, prompting emergency health measures, mass testing, and aggressive contact tracing.
Public health experts are crediting the country’s swift response and global support for the recent success. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners have praised Sierra Leone’s vaccination campaign and data driven approach. Despite the positive news, health officials are warning against complacency.
“The virus has not disappeared,” Dr. Demby added. “We need to maintain public health measures, continue surveillance, and ensure vaccine coverage reaches every corner of the country.”
The Ministry of Health is encouraging citizens to get vaccinated, avoid misinformation, and continue practicing basic hygiene and safety protocols.
With the new batch of vaccines and falling case numbers, Sierra Leone is aiming to fully suppress the outbreak within the coming months but authorities stress that community cooperation will remain essential in reaching that goal.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
