Freetown, June 9, 2025 — A new mpox treatment center has officially opened in Calaba Town, Freetown, offering 50 beds and a full range of medical services for patients affected by the viral disease.
The facility is the result of a joint effort by the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Freetown City Council, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Sierra Leone, aimed at strengthening the national response to the outbreak.
A statement from the NPHA’s Public Relations Unit described the center as a critical step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s epidemic response. It will also support contact tracing, community sensitization, and risk communication aimed at reducing stigma and promoting early symptom recognition.
Dr. Sia Y. Fasuluku, District Medical Officer for the Western Urban Area, emphasized the importance of early detection and sustained public health interventions. She added that the sooner cases are identified and isolated, the better the chances of stopping transmission.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that poses heightened risks for immunocompromised individuals. Health officials warn that without timely medical attention, outbreaks can place significant strain on the healthcare system. The new center draws on experience from previous health crises such as the Ebola epidemic and benefits from MSF’s technical and logistical support.
Authorities continue to stress the need for expanding diagnostic capacity and community trust. While vaccines are not yet available in Sierra Leone, officials have assured the public that they will be administered free of charge once secured. Treatment at the new mpox facility is also entirely free.
Residents are urged to report symptoms such as fever, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes by calling the 117 emergency hotline. The public is also advised to avoid close contact with infected individuals or animals and to follow hygiene protocols, including regular handwashing.
This initiative forms part of a broader public health strategy aimed at not only tackling the current outbreak but also improving preparedness for future emergencies.
