The World Well being Group (WHO) has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Sierra Leone’s response to the continued mpox outbreak, following a high-level mission to different districts of concern, Port Loko and Bombali. Led by WHO Nation Consultant Dr George Ameh, the staff engaged with native well being authorities, companions, and native councils to evaluate present efforts and establish alternatives to strengthen the response.
Regardless of going through a number of challenges, each districts have activated their Speedy Response Groups (RRTs) and are implementing key interventions together with danger communication and neighborhood engagement, surveillance, and case administration efforts which were essential in containing the unfold of the virus.
At every District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), the District Well being Administration Groups (DHMTs) offered detailed updates, outlining challenges equivalent to restricted logistics, delayed lab outcomes, and shortages of important provides.
“You could have performed fairly nicely, contemplating the circumstances,” mentioned Dr George Ameh. “I consider within the DHMTs. You’re the pillars of the well being system since you work instantly with the communities. It’s important to impress help from different companions. I congratulate you in your efforts and am glad to see NGOs actively supporting the response.”
To strengthen efforts, WHO donated important medical provides to each districts, together with surgical gloves, robes, goggles, and different private protecting tools (PPE) for frontline well being staff. The staff additionally visited Authorities Hospitals in Port Loko and Bombali, the place newly repurposed buildings will function devoted mpox therapy centres.
“The WHO go to is well timed, and we’re grateful for the help to this point,” mentioned Dr Joseph Sylvanus Bangura, District Medical Officer. “We all know what must be performed, however we’re constrained by sources. We sit up for continued collaboration to completely comprise the outbreak.”
Dr. Thomas Jalloh, Operations Lead on the Nationwide Public Well being Company, additionally counseled the district’s efforts. “We’re grateful to our associate, WHO, for stepping in so strongly. Their help boosts our morale. We should proceed bettering our response to curb the unfold of the virus.”
Along with conferences with the DHMT and DEOC, Dr Ameh visited companions equivalent to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and CHAMPS and toured their laboratory services. The staff additionally visited the Makeni Molecular Laboratory, a key web site for well timed diagnostic testing.
Dr Ameh remarked; “Seeing issues firsthand helps us perceive the progress and challenges. I’m right here to pay attention, observe, and advocate in your behalf to focus on the great work and assist safe extra help to cease mpox transmission.”
He additionally praised the district’s use of native information and key efficiency indicators (KPIs) to information response efforts and enhance outcomes.
Dr Bangura, Bombali’s District Medical Officer, outlined a few of the district’s key challenges: “We transitioned from home-based to hospital-based care as a consequence of rising case numbers and restricted sources. Feeding sufferers, sourcing drugs are all ongoing points. However with our companions, we’re making actual progress.”
Dr Ameh acknowledged these efforts and emphasised the significance of stronger coordination amongst all stakeholders. “It’s encouraging to see companions like MSF and CHAMPS offering hands-on help,” he mentioned.
Throughout a gathering with Makeni Metropolis Council, Chief Administrator Daniel Boima Kpukumu expressed appreciation for WHO’s help. “This go to has inspired us. Our DMO and staff are doing an unbelievable job with restricted sources. We’re interesting for extra vaccines to develop protection,” he mentioned.
The mission concluded with a powerful name for enhanced collaboration between districts, improved associate coordination, and sustained dedication from all stakeholders.
WHO stays dedicated to working with the Authorities of Sierra Leone and companions to strengthen the well being system and guarantee an efficient, community-led response to the mpox outbreak.