Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 25, 2025 – Sierra Leone reinforces its combat against mpox with the arrival of 61,300 vaccine doses on February 25, 2025. This vital shipment, secured through the collaborative efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, GAVI, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners, following a total of 29 confirmed mpox cases nationwide since the onset of this outbreak.

The arrival of these vaccines is a crucial step in protecting vulnerable communities and curbing the spread of the virus. WHO contributed to this achievement, working closely with the Ministry of Health's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to develop a compelling proposal for vaccine acquisition. WHO’s technical expertise supported the review of the proposal with partners, ensuring its alignment with international standards and best practices, ultimately leading to the approval and delivery of the vaccines.   

"We are committed to supporting Sierra Leone in its efforts to control the mpox outbreak and protect its citizens. Our partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders has been essential in making the acquisition of the vaccine a reality." Remarked WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh.

The Ministry of Health, with support from its partners, will now focus on implementing a targeted vaccination campaign to reach high-risk populations and prevent further transmission. The vaccines will be administered according to established guidelines, prioritizing those most vulnerable to infection.   

"We are grateful for the support of WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, Africa CDC, and all our partners in securing these vaccines," said Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health. "This shipment is a major arsenal in our fight against the mpox outbreak."