When Yusuf Sesay first observed an odd itch round his genital space, mpox wasn’t the very first thing that got here to thoughts. He figured it’d simply be a light an infection, one thing a fast pharmacy run might repair. However inside just a few days, the discomfort spiralled into one thing tougher to disregard: fever, pounding complications, and the sort of fatigue that made getting away from bed fairly tough.
But, he stored self-medicating, hoping it could go away.
“I used to be embarrassed,” he says quietly. “I didn’t suppose it was critical at first. Then I grew to become scared.”
Yusuf is one among over 3,600 individuals in Sierra Leone who’ve examined optimistic for mpox for the reason that begin of 2025. However numbers alone don’t seize what it is wish to dwell by means of it. The bodily ache, the emotional toll, the concern of being judged. Sitting on a hospital chair in one among Freetown’s mpox remedy centres, he’s able to share his story.
“It began with itching. Down there,” he says, not making eye contact at first. “I believed it was only a common an infection. One thing I might deal with with meds from the pharmacy. However the signs didn’t cease. The itching acquired worse.”
“I used to be scared,” he says, “and ashamed. I informed the girl I slept with that she had given me one thing. She stated it wasn’t from her. I didn’t know what to imagine. So I simply stored quiet and and tried to repair it myself.”
By the point he arrived on the remedy centre, he was exhausted, bodily, mentally, emotionally. The sores had worsened. He knew he wanted assist.
“I really feel so much higher now,” he says. “The remedy is working. The well being employees have been wonderful. They respect and look after us. They don’t decide.”
There are 4 mpox remedy centres in Freetown. The centre the place Yusuf is recovering is one among them and just like the others, it’s receiving assist from the World Well being Group, which has been working intently with the federal government of Sierra Leone for the reason that outbreak started. “In shut collaboration with the Ministry of Well being and companions, we’re working to interrupt the chain of transmission and safeguard lives.” – Dr George Ameh, WHO Nation Consultant.
WHO helps to strengthen the mpox response, from delivering medical provides and tools to offering technical steering and supporting neighborhood engagement.
“We’re grateful to the well being employees, who’re taking excellent care of us.”
He speaks calmly, brazenly. No hesitation. He is aware of individuals outdoors nonetheless doubt that mpox is actual. Some suppose it’s a hoax. Whereas others imagine it solely impacts a sure class of individuals.
“Let me let you know one thing,” Yusuf says, his voice a little bit firmer now. “Mpox is actual. I’ve lived it. I’m nonetheless residing it. If you happen to discover any indicators, don’t wait. Don’t be like me. Go to the hospital early. It makes an enormous distinction.”
Since January, Sierra Leone has reported greater than 3,600 confirmed instances of mpox. And behind every quantity is somebody like Yusuf, with an analogous story.
“Keep secure. Wash your arms. Shield your self. Don’t be careless. What I’m going by means of now… I might have prevented it if I had gone to the hospital earlier.”
Throughout WHO’s latest go to to the centre, Yusuf didn’t hesitate to talk to the crew, the place he shared his story, answered questions and warranted the crew he’s prepared to assist increase consciousness, so others don’t undergo the identical factor.
“I wish to assist. Even when it’s simply speaking to individuals. If listening to my story helps one individual keep secure, then it’s price it.”
In a time when stigma and misinformation can hold individuals from searching for care or talking up, Yusuf’s honesty is refreshing and can save lives.