Liberia is currently experiencing a significan increase in Mpox cases. The disease, formerly known as monkeypox, has been confirmed in several counties including Lofa, Sinoe, and River Gee. In response, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has activated its Incident Management System to coordinate national efforts. These include boosting disease surveillance, isolating infected individuals, and providing treatment in designated facilities.
Liberian scientists have made progress by detecting and identifying the Monkeypox virus Clade IIb within the country, thanks to advanced genomic sequencing now available at the National Reference Laboratory. This development is crucial because it eliminates the previous need to send samples abroad for analysis, and it helps health officials understand how the virus is spreading and how best to respond.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Liberia, along with Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, has been listed as one of the current hotspots for Mpox in West Africa. This designation means that the outbreak is serious and requires coordinated international attention.
To prevent further spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health and NPHIL have launched public awareness campaigns. They are advising people to frequently wash their hands with soap and water, avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, practice safe sex, and stay away from wild animals that could carry the virus. People are also encouraged to report any suspected cases to health authorities as quickly as possible.
In addition, Liberia is one of nine African countries receiving Mpox vaccine doses from the World Health Organization. These vaccines are being distributed to health workers, close contacts of infected individuals, and people considered at high risk of infection. The goal is to contain the outbreak through targeted vaccination efforts.
With coordinated national efforts, public cooperation, and international support, Liberia hopes to reduce the spread of Mpox and protect both communities and health systems from further strain. The public is urged to stay informed, follow health guidelines, and seek help promptly if symptoms appear.
