By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a noteworthy move to enhance epidemic preparedness and protect its healthcare workforce, Sierra Leone has initiated a nationwide Ebola vaccination campaign targeting 20,000 frontline workers. This initiative marks a proactive step to safeguard against potential outbreaks, a decade after the devastating 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic that claimed nearly 4,000 lives in the country, including around 280 health workers.
The campaign employs the ERVEBO vaccine, renowned for its near-100% efficacy against the Ebola virus. Backed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, the drive spans 16 districts and includes healthcare workers, traditional healers, community health personnel, laboratory staff, motorcycle taxi operators and security forces involved in outbreak responses.
“This campaign is crucial for reducing the risks healthcare workers face when treating undiagnosed cases of Ebola. By vaccinating these frontline workers, we can potentially break chains of transmission and prevent outbreaks from escalating,” said Dr. George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone.
The campaign prioritizes preparedness by focusing on those most likely to encounter the Ebola virus in their line of duty. With over 500,000 individuals globally already vaccinated with ERVEBO, Sierra Leone aims to leverage this proven tool to strengthen its health system’s resilience.
WHO, UNICEF and other partners are providing technical expertise, logistical coordination and robust monitoring systems to ensure the campaign’s success. The initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitment to drawing lessons from the past to build a stronger, more responsive healthcare infrastructure.
Beyond the immediate vaccination of frontline workers, Sierra Leone has established mechanisms for rapid vaccine deployment to the broader population in the event of an outbreak. A global stockpile of Ebola vaccines, managed by the International Coordinating Group, is poised to ensure swift and efficient delivery during emergencies.
“Sierra Leone has demonstrated its commitment to using the painful lessons of the 2014–2016 outbreak to prevent a repeat of history. This vaccination drive underscores our resolve to protect those who risk their lives to save others,” added Dr. George Ameh.
The 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa exposed vulnerabilities in health systems and highlighted the critical need for epidemic preparedness. Sierra Leone, one of the hardest-hit nations, has since made strides in bolstering its healthcare system and improving its outbreak response strategies.
This vaccination drive not only protects healthcare workers but also establishes a robust barrier against future outbreaks, solidifying Sierra Leone’s position as a leader in epidemic preparedness within the region.
