Prosper's response to Sierra Leone's Mpox outbreak
- ellenarnison
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Facilitators delivering our training are taking simple steps to keep themselves and programme participants safe during the current Mpox outbreak
Sierra Leone is affected by an outbreak of Mpox that was declared a public health emergency by its government in January 2025. According to Sierra Leone's National Public Health Agency, as of 3rd July there have been a total of 4,550 confirmed cases and 32 deaths. However, it is likely that more cases exist in the community that are not being reported to health authorities and captured in national statistics.
Mpox is a virus belonging to the same family as the smallpox virus. Sufferers have flu-like symptoms as well as a distinctive rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters. Most people will recover from Mpox within a couple of weeks, however, it can be more severe in children, elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions. It is spread mainly by person-to-person contact.
Around 66,000 vaccinations have been supplied to the country and priority will be given to healthcare workers and to communities with active Mpox cases, in a bid to break limit transmission.
Official guidance to contain the spread apply to meetings in public spaces - such as those organised by Prosper’s facilitators - and include providing handwashing stations, maintaining safe distances and sharing public health information about the outbreak.
Prosper team members are taking active steps to keep our participants and staff members safe. This includes:
Providing hand-washing facilities during training sessions
Enforcing social distancing during training sessions
Sharing information on Mpox, how it is transmitted and prevention methods.
CEO Fred Fenwick said: “The whole team is aware of Mpox and what that means for everyone we work with. The important public health measures are straightforward and, of course, we are following all of them. It’s important it doesn’t interrupt the important work we do in Sierra Leone to empower women economically. Our work has far-reaching impacts, including supporting families to be healthier and more resilient to disease outbreaks.”
