In a determined national effort to eradicate Mpox, the Government of Sierra Leone—through the Ministry of Local Government and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), recently convened high-level engagement meetings with Paramount Chiefs and District Stakeholders across all 16 districts. Held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, under the theme “Achieving and Sustaining Zero Mpox Cases in Sierra Leone,” these two-day sessions mobilized traditional authority, district leadership, and health professionals in a unified front to eliminate the disease. Districts including Falaba, Port Loko, Koinadugu, Bombali, Tonkolili, and Kambia hosted gatherings that echoed across the country, reinforcing a shared commitment to vigilance, education, and community-led response.
In Falaba District, the meeting brought together DSMC Babah Bangura, Paramount Chief Mohamed Lamin, District Medical Officer Dr. Daniel Lavalie, and Mpox Response Operations Lead Dr. Mustapha Jalloh. Dr. Jalloh urged stakeholders to aim for zero cases within one month, emphasizing the critical role of traditional leaders in communication and coordination. The district’s achievement of 30 consecutive days without a recorded Mpox case was celebrated as a model of collective vigilance. Discussions focused on strengthening surveillance systems, promoting vaccination, and deepening community engagement, with participants stressing the importance of transparency and myth-busting education.
Port Loko’s engagement, held at the District Council Headquarters, featured Resident Minister North-West Hon. Umaru Bond Wurie, Presidential Advisor on Health Dr. Alpha Khan, and a full complement of district leadership. The session opened with interfaith prayers, symbolizing unity across communities. NPHA Surveillance Manager Dr. Joseph Sam Kanu provided a comprehensive overview of the outbreak’s trajectory and praised the rare and powerful unity of all Paramount Chiefs. The RCCE Focal Point outlined key symptoms and urged immediate reporting via the 117 hotline. In a show of solidarity, stakeholders signed written commitments to intensify surveillance and community engagement. Paramount Chiefs pledged to disseminate Mpox messages in local dialects and host village forums, while DMOs committed to strengthening case detection and coordinating timely responses.
The meeting also addressed broader health concerns, with District Health Sister Mariama Kanu drawing attention to maternal mortality rates and calling for equal urgency in addressing maternal health. Dr. Khan presented the national roadmap to zero Mpox cases, supported by operational details from local officers. Master of Ceremonies Ms. Rachael A. Kuyembeh ensured smooth proceedings, and Hon. Wurie closed with words of gratitude, reinforcing the government’s backing of community-led health initiatives.
Across Koinadugu, Bombali, Tonkolili, Kambia, and other districts, parallel engagements echoed the same core strategies: community mobilization, myth-busting awareness campaigns, enhanced case detection, and cross-sector partnerships. Traditional leaders reaffirmed their roles as trusted messengers, while DMOs outlined district-specific action plans aligned with the national strategy. These engagements underscore Sierra Leone’s proactive stance in public health, demonstrating how traditional authority and modern expertise can converge for lasting impact.
With districts like Falaba already marking case-free milestones, the nation is on track to sustain zero Mpox cases. Continued vigilance, education, and community participation remain essential. Residents are urged to report symptoms promptly and support vaccination drives. For more information or to get involved, contact your local health authority or visit the NPHA website. Together, Sierra Leone can ensure Mpox becomes a thing of the past, protecting communities and paving the way for a healthier future.
© Public Relations Unit, NPHA-SL