By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown/Dakar – June 18, 2025 — As Sierra Leone confronts its third Mpox outbreak, UNICEF is intensifying its response to protect vulnerable communities and reinforce the national effort to curb the spread of the virus.
Declared on January 13, following the confirmation of the first case three days earlier, the outbreak has since resulted in over 4,000 confirmed infections and 25 deaths as of June 17. Most recoveries have been recorded, though the outbreak remains concentrated in the Western District, disproportionately affecting young adults — especially women aged 20 to 29.
“This Mpox outbreak is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be disrupted, especially for the most vulnerable — children and families,” said Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. “We are working with the Government and partners to deliver urgent support — from vaccines and safe water to trusted information and psychosocial support.”
UNICEF has already invested over $600,000 in a multi-pronged response encompassing vaccination, water and sanitation upgrades, education support, child protection, and communications outreach.
In March, the organization delivered 58,000 Mpox vaccine doses with Gavi’s backing. A further 50,000 doses have since been pledged, alongside an additional $700,000 to support rollout logistics. Efforts have included expansion of cold chain systems, distribution of supplies such as syringes and vaccination cards, and training of health workers.
To bolster infection control, UNICEF has improved WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure at key facilities such as Connaught Hospital, where three 5,000-liter water tanks and upgraded piping systems now ensure reliable clean water. In parallel, 60,000 PPE kits have been distributed to frontline workers and volunteers.
Education settings are also receiving critical support. Over 10,000 hygiene kits are being delivered to schools in high-risk districts — including Western Urban, Western Rural, Bombali, and Port Loko — each accompanied by materials promoting protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
UNICEF is also spearheading risk communication across all 16 districts. This includes social media campaigns and in-person engagement, as well as training 240 supervisors and health workers to counter misinformation and connect families with essential services like the toll-free child protection line 116.
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to bring the Mpox outbreak under control,” said Gilles Fagninou, Regional Director for UNICEF West and Central Africa. “Now is the time for collective action and solidarity.”
Cross-border collaboration is underway with Liberia, and 75,000 additional vaccine doses are expected in the coming weeks. A unified Incident Management Team — comprising UNICEF, WHO, Africa CDC, and national partners — continues to coordinate the response.
Despite strong momentum, challenges remain in vaccine availability, case surveillance, and community engagement. UNICEF is calling for urgent, increased support to meet demands and sustain progress.