In a coordinated effort to curb the spread of mpox, the Government of Sierra Leone, working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, WAHO and partners has deployed 36 AVoHC-SURGE responders to the country’s hotspot districts. The responders, drawn from across multiple sectors, represent a powerful show of solidarity in a moment that demands speed, precision, and collaboration.

The multisectoral team, comprising epidemiologists, communication experts, and field responders from a range of institutions: the Ministry of Health , the National Public Health Agency, the Sierra Leone Police, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Agriculture, among others. Together, they form a rapid-response team capable of supporting the country’s emergency operations across surveillance, case management, contact tracing, vaccination, infection prevention and control, and community engagement.

At the pre-deployment briefing held today in Freetown, the team seemed excited and ready to swing into action. The team, many of whom have served during previous public health emergencies, were reminded of what’s at stake.

“This is a crucial time, and we are counting on you,” said Dr George Ameh, WHO Country Representative in Sierra Leone, as he addressed the responders. “Go to the districts and make a real difference. You ahve done it before, and we are counting on you to do it again. Be part of the team. Be the reason things change. Let your actions speak.”

Since confirming its first mpox case in Sierra Leone in January 2025, over 3,900 cases have been reported across all 16 districts. The outbreak has strained health systems and requires a whole-of-government approach. This deployment marks a shift from reactive measures to proactive control, taking the response to the frontlines before the virus spreads further.

The National AvoHC SURGE Coordinator, Dr Mustapha Jalloh remarked: “ This is the right time for us a country to test our capacity and capabilities with the resources we have to respond to outbreaks “

What sets this deployment apart is both its technical expertise, and the composition. By bringing together actors from civilian, health, and security sectors, the government is reinforcing a critical message: public health is everyone’s business. The military and police will play key roles in logistics and access to remote or high-risk areas. Agricultural officers will help assess possible links to zoonotic transmission. Public health experts will guide surveillance, testing, and clinical care.

Beyond the technical tasks, the responders will also serve as trusted messengers connecting with communities to address stigma, misinformation, and fear. They will listen to concerns, provide accurate health information, and work with community leaders to promote early reporting and care-seeking behaviour.

“We are excited at this opportunity to support our country, said, Mariatu, a surveillance officer heading to Bo District. “It’s personal for me. This is our country.”

The coming weeks are critical. The success of the mission will depend not only on coordination and capacity but also on the resilience, compassion and dedication of those heading into the field.