Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) has intensified efforts to combat the spread of Mpox in Pepel and its surrounding operational communities by launching a comprehensive sensitization campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting disease prevention.
The sensitization event, held in Pepel town, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local authorities, youth leaders, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement officials. The initiative provided crucial information on Mpox transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures.
The campaign follows a reported total of 3,059 confirmed Mpox cases, 1,685 recoveries, and 14 deaths as of May 24, 2025.
Alhaji Mohamed Turay, Community and Security Manager of LRMG, opened the session by stressing the urgency of the campaign. He called on residents—especially young people and community leaders—to remain vigilant.
“Early detection and community vigilance are key to preventing further outbreaks,” Turay said.
Key figures at the event included Pepel Police Station Officer-in-Charge Felix Koroma, Community Health Officer Foday Kamara, the Chiefdom Mamy Queen, the Youth Leader, and several other influential community representatives. Turay expressed appreciation for their active participation and commitment to public health.
A significant highlight of the program was a detailed presentation by LRMG’s HSE Advisor, Patrick Bob Macarthur, who explained Mpox transmission pathways, symptoms, and practical prevention strategies.
Community Health Officer Foday Kamara provided a thorough breakdown of the progression of Mpox rash development, outlining its stages from macules and papules to vesicles, pustules, and scabs. He also shared the disease’s historical background, noting that it was first identified in Denmark in 1958, with the first human case recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. Kamara highlighted the World Health Organization’s 2022 decision to rename the disease from “Monkeypox” to “Mpox” to reduce stigma.
Kamara reassured attendees, stating, “The disease usually runs its course in two to four weeks, even without treatment, as it is generally mild.”
LRMG’s campaign is part of its broader commitment to health and safety across its operational zones. The company has already implemented preventive measures, including regular health screenings, hygiene stations at entry points, mandatory sick leave for symptomatic employees, and ongoing awareness training sessions.
Residents were encouraged to adopt these measures to mitigate the spread of Mpox within their communities. LRMG reaffirmed its commitment to the health and safety of its over 7,000 employees and the surrounding communities, emphasizing the importance of strong collaboration among residents, healthcare professionals, and local authorities.
This proactive initiative reinforces LRMG’s role as a responsible corporate entity dedicated to safeguarding public health.