On August 25, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) extended vital support to the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) to strengthen Sierra Leone’s response to the Mpox outbreak. The donation ceremony, held at the NPHA headquarters on Wilkinson Road, marked a significant moment in the country’s public health efforts, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in epidemic control.
Dr. Thompson Igbu, Cluster Lead for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases at WHO, commended the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for its proactive and coordinated response toMpox outbreak. He emphasized the value of sustained partnerships between global institutions and national agencies, noting that such collaboration is essential for controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Dr. Igbu also stressed the importance of ongoing surveillance and monitoring to ensure the outbreak is fully contained and future risks are mitigated.
The donation, made under the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) pillar, included a range of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, face masks, gowns, bandages, and protective footwear. These materials are intended to safeguard frontline health workers and reduce transmission risks, particularly in high-exposure settings. WHO’s contribution reflects its confidence in NPHA’s trajectory and its longstanding commitment to Sierra Leone’s health system and social development.
Alhaji Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of NPHA, received the donation on behalf of Executive Director Professor Foday Sahr. In his remarks, Dr. Vandi expressed heartfelt gratitude for WHO’s unwavering support not only to the Agency but to Sierra Leone as a whole. He reaffirmed that this partnership has been instrumental in advancing the country’s public health goals and emphasized that it will continue to flourish. “This donation is more than a gesture. It is a reaffirmation of trust, solidarity, and shared purpose,” he noted. Dr. Vandi also highlighted the critical role these IPC materials will play in extinguishing Mpox transmission by the end of August, and underscored the importance of ongoing training, preparedness, and capacity building to ensure a swift and effective response to future health threats.
Mr. Ralph Eldred Williams represented Mrs. Ramatu Gaojia, Technical Lead of the IPC Pillar, provided a detailed overview of the donated items and their intended deployment across high-risk districts. His presence underscored the operational importance of IPC in outbreak containment and the critical role of coordinated logistics, frontline protection, and technical oversight. Also, in attendance were other pillar leads from Surveillance, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Case Management, and Laboratory, reflecting a unified, multisectoral approachMpox response.
This latest intervention by WHO reinforces the shared commitment to a healthier, more resilient Sierra Leone. It stands as a testament to the power of partnership, preparedness, and solidarity in safeguarding public health. As the nation moves forward, the NPHA remains steadfast in its mission, guided by collaboration, strengthened by trust, and anchored in the belief that no one is safe until everyone is protected.
Miss Rachael A Kuyembeh PRO-1, NPHA-SL