The EU Health Task Force (EUHTF) has deployed two ECDC experts to Freetown, Sierra Leone, via the DG ECHO Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to support the national response to the ongoing mpox clade IIb outbreak.
This two-week mission comes at a critical time as the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and National Public Health Agency (NPHA) review their three-month Action Plan aiming to contain and end this outbreak.
The two experts, an epidemiologist and a risk communicator , are working closely with national stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health, Africa CDC colleagues, and with the support of the EU Delegation in Freetown.
The epidemiologist is supporting detailed outbreak investigations and data analysis to generate actionable insights for response strategies. She also contributes to situation analyses to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
Meanwhile, the risk communicator is assisting with the development of culturally tailored public health messaging, supporting knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) studies, and strengthening the capacity at the national and district level.
Working alongside local health professionals, paramount chiefs, district councils, and development partners, the experts are contributing to a coordinated effort to control the outbreak and protect communities across Sierra Leone.
