Sierra Leone accounts for half of Africa's monkeypox cases

The monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak in Sierra Leone has expanded over the past six weeks, with cases reportedly rising by over 71% in just one week. 

According to a leader from the Africa Centers for Disease Control's Mpox Incident Management Support Team, there are indications that Sierra Leone accounts for half of Africa's confirmed Mpox cases. 

However, Mpox is more than just numbers; it is a human story that Sierra Leoneans are honoring through heartfelt social media tributes.

Among the deceased is Akmed Sidi Kamara, a mechanical engineer who became an entertainment business owner known as "Black Coffee" to his fans. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Fourah Bay College, Kamara pursued a career as a social media influencer, youth activist, and humanitarian, eventually becoming the CEO of Black Coffee House of Entertainment. 

In his final days while battling Mpox, Kamara bravely shared his experience with the public, advocating for awareness and support for a disease that needs urgent attention. 

One mourner remarked that Kamara's interviews showcased his determination to uncover the deeper struggles in people's lives, and he served his generation well.

In January, Sierra Leone reported its first confirmed case of Mpox after the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern last August.

Since January 2025, there have been more than 3,050 confirmed cases in Sierra Leone. 

On March 27, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health, National Public Health Agency, and their partners launched the Mpox vaccination campaign, prioritizing at-risk groups, including health workers. 

More than 60,000 doses of the vaccine were made available to help curb the spread of the virus. 

The Minister of Health received the first dose, supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF Sierra Leone, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the African
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health authorities have since dispatched teams to screen households actively for suspected cases in various communities.

Identified high-risk groups include health workers, children, older individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.

As part of the ongoing public health response, these groups have been advised to avoid crowded places and are being prioritized for vaccination.

In response to the surge in cases, the Sierra Leonean government has issued safety guidelines for public spaces, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, declaring a public health emergency.

Contact tracing and isolation measures are being enforced, and vaccination campaigns focusing on high-risk groups are underway, with support from international organizations such as the WHO and the Africa CDC.

Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, has been severely impacted by this latest outbreak. Each week, the Ministry of Health updates the public on the rising death toll as Mpox continues to claim lives.