By Josephine Sesay
In a significant advancement of Sierra Leone’s infectious disease response, the Ministry of Health (MoH), the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), and the Freetown City Council, in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Sierra Leone, have officially opened a state-of-the-art 50-bed Mpox treatment centre in Calaba Town, situated in the eastern part of Freetown.
The newly launched facility is designed to offer specialized clinical care, case management, and infection prevention, while also serving as a central hub for disease surveillance, contact tracing, risk communication, and community education. Authorities believe this integrated approach will help reduce stigma and encourage early detection of Mpox symptoms.
Dr. Sia Y. Fasuluku, District Medical Officer for the Western Urban Area, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in halting the spread of the virus, we need a sustained public health effort to curb transmission and prevent complications, especially among vulnerable populations, she stated.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that can lead to severe illness, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, without timely treatment, outbreaks can severely burden healthcare systems. The Calaba Town facility builds on lessons learned from Sierra Leone’s past epidemics, including Ebola, blending local expertise with MSF’s international technical and logistical support.
Officials highlighted that the centre is not only a response to the current outbreak but also part of a broader, forward-looking strategy. This includes plans to expand diagnostic capacity, strengthen epidemic preparedness, and ensure readiness for future vaccine distribution. Health authorities confirmed that if vaccines become available, they will be distributed free of charge, and treatment at all Mpox centres will remain completely free.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes by calling the national emergency line at 117. Citizens are also encouraged to avoid contact with infected individuals or animals and to observe basic hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing.
Government and health officials continue to stress the importance of community engagement and public trust in successfully managing not only this outbreak but also any future health emergencies. For ongoing updates and official information, citizens are advised to follow channels from the Ministry of Health, NPHA, and MSF Sierra Leone.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, June 13TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
