The government of Sierra Leone on Thursday rolled out a nationwide vaccination campaign against Mpox, two months after the government declared an outbreak of the viral disease.

Health authorities say the initiative will prioritize high-risk populations, including health workers, security personnel, and close contacts of infected individuals.

ManoReporters reports that Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby officially launched the campaign in Freetown, calling it a “special day” and describing the vaccine as a crucial tool in combating the outbreak. The effort supplements existing measures such as disease surveillance and public awareness campaigns.

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Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, causes fever, headaches, and painful skin lesions. The virus spreads through close physical contact, including sexual intercourse. Since the current outbreak began in 2023, cases have surged across Africa, prompting the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to declare it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Concern in August 2024.

As of March 27, Africa CDC data shows 7,983 cases and 49 fatalities recorded in 2025 alone, with 23 African nations reporting active transmission.

Sierra Leone confirmed its first two Mpox cases in January, becoming the last Mano River Union nation to report an outbreak. The government swiftly declared a Public Health Emergency. By March 26, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) had recorded 115 cases and two deaths, with most infections concentrated in the Western Area, including Freetown.

To curb transmission, the NPHA conducted a nationwide case search in February. Now, with 61,300 vaccine doses procured by UNICEF—funded by GAVI and the Republic of Ireland—Sierra Leone becomes the 14th African Union country to deploy Mpox vaccines.

With limited doses for its 8.5 million population, officials are prioritizing high-risk groups. The vaccine, recommended for individuals aged 12 and above, will first be administered in the Western Area before expanding nationwide.

Dr. Desmond Kangbai, Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, praised international partners for their support. Meanwhile, NPHA Executive Director Prof. Foday Sahr vowed to intensify surveillance and community engagement to halt transmission.

At the launch, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, CEO of FOCUS 1000, hailed the vaccine as a “remarkable” achievement, citing its role in eradicating smallpox and controlling polio.

“We will do everything possible to break the chain of Mpox transmission in Sierra Leone,” Prof. Sahr assured the public.