On,m 8th September, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) handed over a new batch of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA). The handover ceremony took place at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Wilkinson Road, Cockrill.
The donation, mobilized through the WHO African Regional Office, includes hand-wash sets, 30-litre buckets with covers, receiving buckets, stand stools, waste bins, detergents, and other essential IPC items. These supplies will be distributed to schools and health facilities in hotspot districts to help prevent the spread of Mpox among pupils, teachers, and health workers.
Since Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency in January 2025, WHO has provided over USD 1 million in financial and technical support to Sierra Leone. This latest contribution focuses on protecting school-going children, who remain among the most vulnerable.
Dr Thompson Igbu, speaking on behalf of WHO Representative Dr George Ameh, stated:
“Mpox knows no bounds. It can disrupt learning and limit children’s futures. That is why WHO has donated these IPC materials, so schools can resume in a well-protected fashion.”
NPHA’s Incident Manager, Dr James Squire, added:
“Our data shows pupils are among the most affected. These items will amplify hygiene and protection, and they will surely receive them by God’s grace. We thank WHO for standing with us.”
Thanks to coordinated efforts, Mpox cases have dropped significantly—from triple digits at the peak of the outbreak to single digits today. Over 6,800 suspected cases have been recorded nationwide, with 5,266 confirmed, 56 deaths, and more than 5,100 recoveries.
This donation is a powerful reminder that public health is not just about containment. It is about continuity. Together, we are making schools safer and helping children return to learning with confidence.
Public Relations Unit NPHA-SL