The Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency and with support from Jhpiego, has officially launched the National Network of Persons Recovered from Mpox, under the theme "Building a Resilient and Empowered Network of Mpox Survivors.”
This landmark initiative marks a turning point in Sierra Leone’s public health response. Placing survivors at the heart of education, advocacy, and community mobilization. By transforming lived experience into leadership, the Network empowers recovered individuals to help prevent future outbreaks, combat stigma, and strengthen health systems from within.
The unveiling of the Network was led by Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, who praised the courage and commitment of survivors stepping into public health leadership. The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion on “Survivor Engagement in Health Systems Strengthening and the Ongoing Mpox Response,” moderated by Miss Mariama Tommy of AYTV.
Panelists included:
- Dr. Ibrahim Seriki, Acting Country Director of Jhpiego, who emphasized the importance of survivor-led outreach and thanked the U.S. Government and partners for their support through the RISE project.
- Dr. Agnes Bangura, Case Management Pillar Lead, who spoke on the clinical insights survivors bring to care and recovery strategies.
- Dr. Tigi Dankay Koroma, Deputy Manager of Surveillance, who highlighted the role of survivors in early detection and community-based reporting.
- Mohamed Jalloh, representing Focus 1000, who discussed community trust and the power of survivor narratives in shifting public perception.
- Ibrahim Kamara, a survivor advocate, who shared his personal journey and called for continued investment in survivor-led initiatives.
- Miss Mafereh Turay, Ministry of Social Welfare, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to integrating survivor voices into national mental health and social support frameworks.
The conversation explored how survivors can serve as trusted messengers, bridge gaps between communities and health systems, and contribute to more compassionate, effective outbreak responses. It also addressed the importance of mental health support, peer networks, and sustained investment in survivor empowerment.
The unveiling of the Network’s logo was a moment of pride and symbolism, representing resilience, healing, and a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s Mpox response. This isn’t just a network. It’s a movement. Survivors are stepping forward not only to share their stories but also to lead change.
We extend heartfelt thanks to all partners—Jhpiego, the U.S. Government, WHO, UNICEF, PSI, and all MDAs—for their unwavering support. This new organization brings hope, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose to Sierra Leone’s public health landscape. It promises faster community engagement, stronger outbreak preparedness, and a future where no survivor walks alone.
Together, we are building a healthier, more informed, and more compassionate Sierra Leone. Let’s keep the momentum going.
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