Sierra Leone is currently battling a significant mpox outbreak, with health officials overwhelmed in their efforts to manage the rising number of infections. Since the beginning of the year, the nation has seen a steep increase in mpox cases, outpacing last year's total infections across Africa. Authorities initially opted to allow patients to be treated at home to avoid overcrowding hospitals with other critical cases, such as malaria and pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, this strategy led to heightened transmission in densely populated urban areas, resulting in outbreaks in all 16 regions of the country, notably in the capital, Freetown.
To combat the crisis, the government has established several centers intended for patient isolation and treatment. However, these centers are quickly reaching capacity and reporting a severe shortage of essential vaccines. A public health initiative designed to trace contacts of infected individuals was halted in April due to a lack of funding, leaving health officials in a precarious situation.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, who leads the mpox response team for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted the already fragile state of the health system, made worse by a financial crisis and reduced international aid. As outbreaks intensify, health officials urgently seek support from the United States and global partners to strengthen their vaccination efforts and curb further spread of the virus.
To combat the crisis, the government has established several centers intended for patient isolation and treatment. However, these centers are quickly reaching capacity and reporting a severe shortage of essential vaccines. A public health initiative designed to trace contacts of infected individuals was halted in April due to a lack of funding, leaving health officials in a precarious situation.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, who leads the mpox response team for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted the already fragile state of the health system, made worse by a financial crisis and reduced international aid. As outbreaks intensify, health officials urgently seek support from the United States and global partners to strengthen their vaccination efforts and curb further spread of the virus.
