By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone — May 13, 2025: The Sierra Leone Parliament has summoned the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, to provide a comprehensive update on the ongoing Mpox outbreak in the country and the government’s response efforts. Addressing lawmakers, Dr. Demby confirmed that the outbreak, which began in January 2025 with two cases, has now escalated to over 2,100 cases, with 12 deaths, mainly due to underlying medical conditions. The Western Area remains the epicenter of the outbreak
He announced that the Ministry has scaled up treatment capacity with a 400-bed facility in Hastings, a100-bed center in Calaba Town, an Infectious Disease Hospital in Port Loko, Isolation units at 34 Military Hospital and other major government hospitals.
Dr. Demby emphasized that Mpox spreads primarily through direct body contact and urged citizens to adopt preventative measures such as regular hand washing and avoiding unnecessary physical interactions. He also announced that Sierra Leone has acquired 63,000 doses of Mpox vaccines, which will play a crucial role in limiting the spread of the virus. However, he expressed concern over the public’s reluctance to adhere to health directives, warning that non-compliance could further accelerate transmission.
The Minister highlighted the urgent need to isolate infected individuals in specialized healthcare facilities to ensure comprehensive treatment, reinforcing his commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system with the support of Parliament.
Following the Minister’s briefing, lawmakers engaged in a heated debate over Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure and its ability to handle health emergencies.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Hon. Bernadette Wuyatta Songa, praised Sierra Leone’s preparedness but stressed the need for robust public education and awareness campaigns to curb the spread of Mpox. She noted that Parliament must also investigate concerns regarding bloated overseas medical treatments for lawmakers.
Several MPs raised concerns about the lack of a structured healthcare insurance system for parliamentarians and citizens alike. Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara strongly advocated for revamping the country’s ambulance services, arguing that the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) is no longer functioning effectively.
Hon. Quintin Salia-Konneh warned that setting up treatment centers for Mpox is capital-intensive, questioning the availability of funds to sustain such facilities. Similarly, Hon. Mariama Bangura called for urgent intervention, highlighting that slum communities remain highly vulnerable to the outbreak.
The Opposition Leader II, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, expressed skepticism over the government’s response, urging strict enforcement of hygiene measures, including mandatory handwashing stations in high-risk areas.
Calls for Greater Government Action
In concluding remarks, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma reassured lawmakers of the government’s commitment to combating the outbreak through regional engagements and public education efforts.
The debate also touched on the role of traditional and religious leaders in raising awareness, with MPs urging the Ministry of Health to initiate community-driven byelaws to mitigate the spread of the virus. Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo stressed the importance of securing additional vaccines and stepping up preventive measures at border entry points to prevent further escalation.
The session ended with lawmakers calling on the government to strengthen healthcare predictability and ensure timely access to medical care without bureaucratic delays.
Attorney General Briefs Parliament on Legal Aid Board
In a separate ministerial statement, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, provided an update on the status of the Legal Aid Board, highlighting its contributions to Sierra Leone’s justice system, as well as key achievements and ongoing challenges.