By Sulaiman Jalloh
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Sonoco Sierra Leone marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work with a robust Mpox sensitization and awareness campaign.
The event, held at the construction site of the company’s new flour mill in Freetown, aimed to educate workers about workplace safety and health, with a particular focus on preventing the spread of the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus amid its rising cases in Sierra Leone.
In his opening remarks, Mustapha Gning, the site project coordinator, underscored the importance of commemorating the day and urged all attendees to prioritize safety in their daily work.
His call set the tone for a program designed to empower workers with knowledge and practical skills to protect themselves and their environment.
Delivering the keynote address, Mark Pritchard, Managing Director of Sonoco Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude to the workers, partners, and guests for their participation. He highlighted that World Day for Safety and Health at Work serves as a reminder of three core principles: protecting people, safeguarding the planet, and preserving property. Pritchard emphasized the significance of the flour mill, a $50 million investment poised to supply flour to Sierra Leoneans and facilitate exports to neighboring countries.
He also reaffirmed Sonoco’s commitment to maintaining international environmental standards, noting that the well-being of people remains paramount, Sierra Leone is grappling with a health crisis, namely Mpox, Pritchard remarked, stressing the urgent need for a healthier and safer environment to combat the outbreak.
Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, a representative from the National Public Health Emergency, delivered an engaging health and hygiene awareness talk. He emphasized that Mpox is closely linked to hygiene practices and
underscored the importance of personal safety. Dr. Vandi clarified that, while Mpox is less severe than diseases like Lassa Fever or COVID-19, it remains a significant public health concern.
Since its outbreak in Sierra Leone, the country has recorded over 100 cases, predominantly affecting males, with nine fatalities seven males and two females. He noted that the virus has drawn international attention as a continental health issue, with only four of Sierra Leone’s sixteen districts yet to report cases. Dr. Vandi urged workers to adopt rigorous hygiene practices to curb the spread of the virus.
Dr. Mohamed A. Daramy, Deputy Director of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority (SLPHA), called on Sonoco Sierra Leone to continue prioritizing the safety of its workers and the environment. His remarks reinforced the collective responsibility to foster a safe and sustainable workplace.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, Issa B. Koroma expressed gratitude to Sonoco’s management for the awareness campaign and the valuable health and safety training provided. He highlighted that many workers, including himself, had previously lacked knowledge about critical safety tools like fire extinguishers.
With this training, we now have the basic skills to respond to fire incidents and protect ourselves during and after work, Koroma said, reflecting the workers’ appreciation for the initiative.
The event aligns with Sonoco Sierra Leone’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), demonstrating its dedication to the safety and well-being of its staff and the broader community. Through this campaign, the company aims to foster a culture of health consciousness and proactive safety measures among its workforce.
Beyond its industrial endeavors, Sonoco Sierra Leone is also the proud owner of Bread Avenue Academy, located in the east end of Freetown. The academy provides young people with training in baking, pastry-making, and entrepreneurship, empowering the next generation with skills for economic independence.
With the Mpox awareness campaign and safety training, Sonoco Sierra Leone has taken a significant step toward ensuring a safer, healthier, and more informed workforce, setting a strong example for corporate responsibility in Sierra Leone.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 2nd , 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
