Freetown, September 9, 2025- As a way of complementing Sierra Leone’s public health efforts, the United States Embassy today handed over 67,200 doses of the Mpox vaccine to the Ministry of Health. The vaccines, secured through the global vaccine alliance GAVI, mark a critical step toward eliminating the virus nationwide.
The donation comes as Sierra Leone records a dramatic decline in Mpox cases, from a peak of 200 daily infections in April to single digits by August. Health officials attribute this progress to over $2 million in U.S. support and the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, and frontline healthcare workers across the country.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey underscored the importance of vaccination in curbing the outbreak. “Vaccines are a critical tool in stopping this outbreak,” Yancey said. “By strengthening prevention, protecting frontline workers, and reducing transmission, these doses bring us closer to achieving zero Mpox cases in Sierra Leone.”
The newly delivered vaccines will be deployed in high-risk communities and among healthcare personnel, reinforcing the country’s containment strategy and bolstering its long-term disease surveillance capacity.
Health officials say the donation not only reflects strong bilateral cooperation but also signals renewed momentum in Sierra Leone’s fight against infectious diseases. As the country edges closer to zero Mpox cases, the focus now shifts to sustaining gains and preventing future outbreaks.
