Declaring a state of health emergency to combat monkeypox in Sierra Leone

The health authorities in Sierra Leone declared a state of health emergency, allowing them to mobilize the necessary resources to confront the monkeypox virus, stressing the need to strengthen border controls, after recording two confirmed cases of the epidemic virus.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Austin Dembe, said: “The confirmation of two people being infected with monkeypox prompted us to act immediately and impose a state of health emergency in the country, as it allows us to mobilize the necessary resources to contain the disease, prevent its spread, and provide quality care to those affected.”
He pointed to “increasing border control and testing capabilities, as well as launching a national awareness campaign,” stressing “the readiness to respond immediately to any potential developments.”

Last weekend, Sierra Leone announced the recording of its first case of monkeypox since the launch of the highest level of global alert against this deadly viral disease in 2024.