SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County – The Nimba County Health Team, in partnership with the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Ministry of Health(MOH), recently launched the National Mpox Operation Campaign in Nimba County.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
This collaborative effort aims to prevent, detect and treat Mpox cases across the county under the campaign theme: “Operation Find Mpox Cases.”
The campaign kickoff featured a vibrant march through the streets of Sanniquellie, starting from the County Health Team Office and ending at the event venue.
The march served as a rallying call to all Nimbaians and Liberians alike to actively participate in the fight against Mpox, a viral disease requiring urgent community action.
Campaign messages from the Ministry of Health and development partners emphasized the critical need for residents to report Mpox symptoms immediately to local health workers.
Early detection is key to controlling the spread and ensuring timely treatment. Data from the Nimba County Health Team reveals that since January 2025, there have been 94 reported cases of Mpox in the county, with no recorded deaths. Of these, Yekepa and surrounding communities within the Sanniquellie- Mahn Health District have accounted for 60 cases, highlighting hotspots where intensified interventions are necessary.
Dr. Ponnie Robertlee Dolo, head of the Nimba County Health Team, called for strengthened collaboration between the health sector and local communities. He stressed that joint efforts in reporting both confirmed and suspected Mpox cases will be instrumental in halting the virus’s spread within the county.
“Collective vigilance and cooperation from everyone, community members and health workers alike are essential if we are to defeat this virus in Nimba County,” Dr. Dolo said during the ceremony.
The campaign announcement also highlighted the vaccination of 346 health workers, who are leading frontline efforts against Mpox.
Despite these efforts, the team raised concerns about insufficient medical supplies to fully address the outbreak.
Yekepa Hospital, which is managed by the mining company ArcelorMittal Liberia, has stepped up to provide free medical treatment for those infected, a critical support for the region.
Since first reporting Mpox cases in 2021, the Nimba County Health Team has continuously appealed to the Ministry of Health for essential supplies and resources needed to effectively combat the disease.
Dr. Dolo emphasized that fighting Mpox requires the commitment of the entire community including citizens and health personnel to reduce transmission and protect public health.
Nimba County currently ranks as the second-highest in Liberia for Mpox cases, underscoring the urgency for a united response.
Dr. Dolo extended gratitude to the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their ongoing collaboration and support.
To enhance surveillance and rapid response, the county has established 100 screening points where residents can report symptoms and seek early treatment.
Dr. Dolo urged the public to make use of these resources, noting that “early disclosure leads to early treatment and better outcomes.
WHO’s Laboratory Officer, Madam Rhoda King Marshall, pledged continued support to the Liberian government in preventing, detecting, and treating Mpox.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Interim Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to support Nimba County’s health team in combating the Mpox outbreak throughout the entire country.
This campaign marks a significant step in Liberia’s public health efforts against Mpox, fostering a stronger partnership between government agencies, development partners, and citizens on the front lines of disease control.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
