Freetown, Sierra Leone, December 15, 2025.
In a landmark declaration made during the second anniversary celebration of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, officially announced that Sierra Leone is now mpox-free. The declaration follows over 42 consecutive days without a single confirmed case, marking the successful containment of the outbreak that once gripped the nation.
The announcement was delivered at a commemorative event held at the historic Freetown City Council Auditorium, where national pride and collective resilience were on full display. The ceremony brought together a cross-section of stakeholders embodying the One Health approach, including District Medical Officers (DMOs), Medical Superintendents (MSs), veterinary and environmental health professionals, and representatives from key ministries, development partners, and civil society.
Dr. Demby paid solemn tribute to the 60 lives lost during the outbreak, acknowledging their memory as a call to continued vigilance and preparedness. He praised the tireless efforts of frontline health workers, surveillance officers, laboratory teams, community mobilizers, and international partners whose swift, coordinated response helped halt the spread of the virus.
“This milestone is not just a public health victory, it is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together across sectors, districts, and disciplines,” Dr. Demby stated. “The One Health approach was not a slogan; it was our strategy, and it worked.”
The declaration comes as the NPHA celebrates two years of transformative leadership in public health, digital surveillance, and emergency preparedness. The event also served as a moment of reflection and gratitude, with partners recognized for their contributions to the national response and the broader vision of health security.
As Sierra Leone turns the page on this chapter, the NPHA reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient health system that centers people, data, and dignity.
Public Relations Coordinator
NPHA-SL
