By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone — June 27, 2025: In the wake of a critical phase in Sierra Leone’s Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has called on media professionals to ramp up their role in community engagement and public health education.
This call to action came during a high-level media dialogue session held at the WHO office in Freetown, where public health experts emphasized the media’s power to counteract misinformation, promote early health-seeking behavior, and build public trust.
“The media is a powerful force. Silence in the face of misinformation only deepens the public health threat,” said Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative. He underscored the need for closer collaboration between health institutions and the media, calling for creative and consistent engagement as Mpox remains a pressing national concern.
Echoing this message, Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the NPHA, highlighted that the community remains at the core of any outbreak. “Outbreaks start and end within communities,” he noted, adding that the purpose of the session was to equip journalists with the right information to educate the public effectively.
He further stressed the need for sustained, science-based communication, noting that deployment teams are currently operating in the Western Area, with plans to expand across districts.
Harold Thomas, Risk Communication and Community Engagement Lead at the Ministry of Health, provided a hopeful update, revealing a decline in Mpox cases. However, he cautioned that the country remains in a delicate stage of response. He noted that many of the fatalities were associated with immune deficiencies, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
While the Mpox vaccine may not prevent infection outright, Thomas stated it plays a crucial role in slowing disease progression. He dispelled myths about Mpox transmission, clarifying that the virus spreads through close contact and is not sexually transmitted—urging media to combat stigma and misinformation.
“Media practitioners must speak plainly, rely on credible sources, and lead public dialogue in ways that protect lives,” Thomas concluded.
The media dialogue marks a renewed commitment to ensuring that communication remains a central pillar in Sierra Leone’s health response efforts. As the nation moves forward, journalists are expected to be key allies in strengthening community resilience and guiding the country toward recovery.