Freetown, Sierra Leone – March 10, 2024 – Sierra Leone has confirmed the presence of a poliovirus variant type 3 in Kambia District and a type 2 variant in sewage near Mabella Sawmill Bridge in the Western Area Urban District. This development mirrors the situation in neighboring countries such as Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Liberia, where similar strains have been detected.

In response to the new outbreaks, the Western Area Urban District Health Management Team (DHMT) activated the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) on March 9, 2024, following the confirmation of positive cVDPV2 in environmental samples collected on January 5, 2024, from the Mabella Sawmill Site. The Incident Manager (DMO) convened an emergency response coordination meeting to address the situation.

The National Public Health Authority (NPHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, USAID, and other partners, has designed and implemented a comprehensive response plan. This includes regular testing, engagement efforts, and multifaceted approaches to curb the spread of the virus. Surveillance and monitoring have been enhanced, with daily debriefings and a focus on maintaining a list of 20 healthy children for effective tracking.

The affected area has witnessed heightened awareness and sensitization activities. Community engagements, radio discussion programs, and outreach have helped inform the public about the signs, symptoms, and causes of polio. Local efforts have focused on vaccinating children in the region, with all 40 children assessed receiving full vaccination.

The WHO has played a critical role in supporting the national response, providing technical guidance, coordinating efforts, and offering essential resources to strengthen surveillance and vaccination programs. WHO's involvement ensures that best practices are followed, and efforts are aligned with global standards to control the outbreak.

Through these coordinated efforts, Sierra Leone aims to mitigate the impact of the polio outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. The country's ongoing commitment to public health and collaboration with international partners marks a positive step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of its population.