The Sierra Léone strengthens its response to the Simian Malagowl epidemic (MPOX) thanks to intensive training in genomic and bioinformatic monitoring, which was held From June 23 to 27, 2025 at the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL) in Freetown, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO),
Under the theme ” Strengthen genomic surveillance capacities for the response to Simienne smallpox in Sierra Leone “, The training brought together fifteen participants from all over the country – biologists, epidemiologists and public health professionals – around a common objective: to strengthen national skills to better detect, analyze and follow the evolution of the virus.
While Sierra Léone recorded more than 4,400 confirmed cases of MPOX on June 27, only 2.5 % of samples (108 sequences) have been sequenced to date, thus limiting the understanding of viral dynamics and targeted responses. Although certain data is accessible via international platforms such as Gisaid, Pathooplexus or NCBI Virus, the lack of integration of genomic data slows down real -time monitoring.
Faced with this challenge, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) and the Sierra Leone Public Health Agency (SLNPHA) have made genomic a strategic priority to better anticipate outbreaks, follow the transmission of the virus and guide health policies.
« This workshop marks a crucial step in our response to MPOX. It fills a major deficit in bioinformatics and lays the foundations for sustainable genomic surveillance in the service of public health “Said Allan Campbell, head of the CPHRL laboratory.
This formation is part of the continental retaliation plan 2.0 against the Simian smallpox, implemented by WHO Africa, which aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems at the continent’s scale.
Combining theory, practical work and data analysis, the workshop has adopted a multidisciplinary approach. According to Walter Oguta, specialist in epidemiological analytics at WHO Africa and main trainer in bioinformatics ” The objective is clear: to transform genomic data into concrete public health strategies. It is a question of providing participants with technical tools and the confidence necessary to use them effectively. »
Doris Harding, head of the SLNpha Laboratory pillar, added: ” Strengthening our capacities in genomics is no longer a luxury is an emergency. This initiative allows our scientists to better face the similar smallpox and other emerging pathogens. »»
For Jonathan Greene, responsible for laboratories at WHO Sierra Leone “Developing local skills is a fundamental pillar of WHO strategy for robust health systems. Genomics revolutionize the way we manage epidemics, allowing us to move from a reaction to anticipation. »»
Finally, Dr. Ameh George, representative of WHO in Sierra Léone, stressed: “ Genomics transform epidemiology. Sierra Leone must assert itself as a key player in the production and use of this data, both for its own health security and for that of the region. The WHO is determined to accompany this transition. »»
All participants and partners welcomed this training as a long -term strategic investment, capable of strengthening the country’s epidemic resilience. The integration of genomic data into health decisions and the decentralization of sequencing capacities will also allow better responding to regional emergencies.
The workshop ended with a certificate delivery ceremony and a networking session, symbols of enhanced collaboration in favor of more innovative and more efficient public health.
ABJ/LB/TE/SF/Dad
