More than 133,000 people across Sierra Leone have received the first dose of the Mpox vaccine as part of the country’s ongoing response to the 2025 outbreak, according to data from the Ministry of Health’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
The vaccination drive, conducted in two rounds of reactive campaigns, has so far reached 133,710 individuals. Of those vaccinated, 52% (69,529) are male, while 48% (64,181) are female. The largest group of recipients, 77% or 102,957 individuals, falls within the 20–49 age bracket, a category that includes healthcare workers, known contacts of Mpox patients and other high-risk groups.
Health officials have described the overall coverage as encouraging, particularly in Western Area Urban, which continues to record the highest number of confirmed Mpox cases and also leads in vaccination uptake. In contrast, Bonthe District recorded the lowest vaccination figures.
Amid a recent uptick in Mpox cases, experts emphasize that reactive vaccination remains a key strategy in reducing the spread. The EPI Programme reports that the current approach is yielding positive results, with noticeable reductions in incidence and prevalence in affected areas.
Sierra Leone reported its first confirmed Mpox case in February 2025, prompting the Ministry of Health to declare an outbreak. In response, the Government, through EPI, sought international assistance and secured vaccine support from global partners.
By March 2025, the national Mpox vaccination campaign was officially launched. To date, the country has received 153,300 doses of the vaccine: 58,300 from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), 20,000 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 75,000 from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
EPI Programme Manager, Desmond Maada Kangbai, confirmed that Sierra Leone is expected to receive an additional 20,000 doses in the coming weeks to sustain the momentum and strengthen the national effort to break the chain of transmission.
The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public, especially high-risk groups, to participate in the vaccination campaign and adhere to preventive health measures.
