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The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) of Sierra Leone has announced a series of strict enforcement actions aimed at curbing the rapid spread of the Mpox virus, which has seen a significant rise in cases across the country.
The Executive Director of the NPHA, Professor Foday Sahr, stressed on the urgency of the situation, stating that the rise in Mpox cases necessitates stricter control measures.
In a recent statement, Prof. Sahr declared, “We will not hesitate to take firm action, including arrests, against anyone, individuals or business entities who fail to comply with the guidelines.”
He warned that those who disregard health restrictions would face heavy fines and other punitive measures designed to protect public health and halt the virus’s spread.
The NPHA confirmed that inspections and enforcement raids on public and commercial premises would commence immediately to ensure compliance with health directives previously issued.
The action cames as Sierra Leone grapples with one of its most severe Mpox outbreaks to date, with the first confirmed cases reported in January 2025. As of May 10, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation reported a total of 1,815 confirmed Mpox cases nationwide, including 140 new cases and 11 deaths in the latest update.
The outbreak has raised alarms, particularly as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported that Sierra Leone accounted for over 50% of all confirmed cases on the continent in a single week, with a staggering 384 cases recorded. This represents a 63% increase in confirmed cases within just one week, highlighting the urgent need for effective containment measures.
In response to the escalating crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to manage the outbreak. In November 2024, WHO facilitated the training of 65 health workers and laboratory personnel in diagnostic procedures and sample collection. Additionally, 160 health workers received training on an integrated approach that includes surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory practices, and risk communication.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that spreads through close contact and typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While it is often mild, it can be fatal, particularly among vulnerable populations. The WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency in August 2024 due to the ongoing rise in cases and the geographic spread of the outbreak.
The current situation in Sierra Leone is part of a broader resurgence of the virus in West and Central Africa, prompting concerns from the Africa CDC about a potential regional health threat if swift containment measures are not implemented.
