…As Dr. Kpoto Leads Charge
(Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County, April 16, 2025)—The Ministry of Health (MOH), the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), and international partners have launched a nationwide Mpox (Monkeypox) vaccination campaign in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County.
The vaccination was led by Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Africa CDC Senior Country Representative Bakary Sonko, and Dr. Monday Julius, WHO Team Lead for Health Emergencies.
The campaign represents a major step in Liberia’s efforts to prevent the spread of Mpox and protect citizens from emerging health threats.
Although similar in appearance to smallpox, Mpox is a distinct virus with potentially serious health implications. In recent years, Liberia has recorded confirmed cases, prompting a swift and coordinated national response.
Thanks to support from international health institutions and vaccine manufacturers, Liberia has secured doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine—a safe and effective two-dose vaccine that protects against both Mpox and smallpox. The vaccine will now be made available to eligible individuals nationwide.
Dr. Kpoto expressed heartfelt appreciation to frontline health workers, the Grand Cape Mount County Health Team led by Dr. Daniel Koffa, and local authorities for their dedication in preparing for the campaign.
“Your commitment to surveillance, community engagement, and risk communication has laid the foundation for this important initiative,” Dr. Kpoto said. “With lessons learned from past outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19, we are prepared, united, and determined to protect our people.”
In his remarks, Dr. Dougbeh Nyan called for continued vigilance.
“The fight against Mpox goes beyond vaccination—it requires awareness, hygiene, and community action,” he noted. “Our goal is to minimize cases, prevent deaths, and avert future outbreaks. We’ve succeeded before, and with your support, we will do it again.”
The Ministry of Health extends its sincere thanks to all supporting partners—including GAVI, WHO, and Africa CDC—for their technical, financial, and moral contributions to this campaign.
With the nationwide Mpox vaccination campaign now officially underway, all eligible citizens are encouraged to visit designated health centers and cooperate with health teams.
Together, we will protect Liberia from Mpox and build a stronger, more resilient health system for future generations.