In view of the sharp rise in Mpox infections in Sierra Leone, the health aid organization action medeor has initiated measures to contain the outbreak. In collaboration with local partners, the “emergency pharmacy of the world” is supporting over 40 hospitals and health centers across the country to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus. The focus is on providing protective equipment, hand-washing stations and disinfectants, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. In addition, action medeor is promoting public awareness through radio spots and information leaflets to enable early protection against infection.

Sierra Leone’s healthcare system was weakened by the Ebola epidemic ten years ago and there is a lack of tests, vaccinations, isolation wards and treatment options. Especially in rural regions, protective equipment and disinfectants are in short supply, which is why action medeor is taking action here. One example is the St. John of God Hospital in Lunsar, where nurse Jessica Konoppa works. She reports on her first Mpox case in May, when a family with smallpox was discovered. Due to a lack of tests and transport, the team organized the diagnostics on their own, which confirmed an Mpox infection.

Due to limited isolation places in the hospital, a home visit system was introduced in which sick people are isolated and cared for at home. Educating the population about hygiene rules such as hand washing, disinfection and social distancing is proving successful. The affected family recovered after two weeks and the number of infections in Konoppa’s region has fallen in recent weeks. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense as the virus, which spreads primarily through close contact, continues to pose a challenge.

Read also:

Nature Medicine: Mpox could become a serious global threat – MedLabPortal

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