Sierra Leone declares monkeypox public health emergency
Clade II, a less virulent variant of the monkeypox virus primarily linked to West Africa, has affected males and females aged 20 to 39 years almost equally.
Health officials have confirmed person-to-person transmission, including through intimate contact.
On 11 July 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the ongoing mpox outbreak in Sierra Leone is linked to Clade II of the monkeypox virus.
On 16 January 2025, the Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, officially declared mpox a public health emergency after confirming two cases across multiple districts.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has supported the response in Freetown, Kenema, Bombali, and Tonkolili districts. UNICEF also delivered 58 000 mpox vaccine doses with Gavi's support by March 2025.
Gavi has confirmed an additional 50 000 doses for allocation, raising its total contribution to nearly 110 000 vaccines. CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS REMAIN
Despite declining case numbers recently, data should be interpreted cautiously due to reporting delays.
As of 17 July 2025, mpox vaccination is recommended for travellers to Sierra Leone engaging in at-risk activities.
The standard protocol for maximum immunity involves two doses of the JYNNEOS® vaccine, administered 28 days apart.
As a result, critical gaps persist in vaccine supply, surveillance, case management, and community engagement. GLOBAL CONTEXT AND FUTURE STEPS
On 9 June 2025, the World Health Organisation reaffirmed that the mpox upsurge continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee (IHREC).
Furthermore, resource constraints threaten the sustainability of operations, impacting personnel and laboratory surveillance.
The global funding requirement of $145 million (approximately R 2.56 billion) for the mpox response remains largely unmet.
This points out the importance of sustained international investment and coordinated efforts.
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