(Monrovia, Liberia – January 16, 2026) – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health and its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), continues to make steady progress in responding to the Mpox outbreak, with targeted vaccination efforts reaching thousands of people across the country.
A total of 18,898 individuals have been vaccinated nationwide as part of a risk-based vaccination strategy aimed at protecting communities most vulnerable to the transmission of Mpox.
The response prioritizes ages 2 years and above, including healthcare workers, frontline responders, and key populations identified as contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases. County-level data show varying levels of vaccination coverage aligned with the epidemiological burden.
Montserrado County, which remains the most affected, recorded 6,360 vaccinated individuals alongside 1,013 laboratory-confirmed cases, reflecting the intensity of response efforts in the epicenter of the outbreak.
Nimba County followed with 4,980 vaccinated individuals and 139 laboratory confirmed cases, while Grand Bassa vaccinated 1,784 individuals alongside 61 laboratory confirmed cases; and Grand Cape Mount vaccinated 1,374 individuals alongside 44 laboratory confirmed cases; all of which demonstrates strong participation in the national Mpox vaccination response.
Other counties, including Bong, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Margibi, Rivercess, River Gee, Sinoe, Maryland, Bomi, and Gbarpolu, contributed to the overall Mpox vaccination coverage, reinforcing a coordinated, nationwide approach to outbreak control and response.
The Ministry of Health notes that the targeted Mpox vaccination strategy has played a critical role in breaking chains of person-to-person transmission, particularly in high-risk settings. This strategy complements ongoing risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, surveillance, laboratory, and case management efforts designed to reduce transmission and protect public health.
The Ministry of Health and partners have launched Phase Two of the intensive Mpox vaccination response that is currently being implemented across eight priority counties; Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, , Grand Gedeh, and Grand Kru.
This phase reflects Liberia’s continued commitment to equitable access to the Mpox vaccine and comprehensive outbreak control and response, especially in areas with sustained transmission and increased vulnerability.
The scale-up of Mpox vaccination activities demonstrates both the operational capacity of the EPI and the strong coordination between county health teams, national institutions, and partners to deliver timely and targeted interventions.
Beyond the immediate outbreak risks, the response has also contributed to strengthening Liberia’s immunization and disease surveillance systems. The Ministry emphasizes that its efforts are guided by evidence-based planning, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
Lessons learned from the Mpox vaccination response will inform future strategies to enhance preparedness, resilience, and rapid response to public health emergencies, as the Government of Liberia continues to keep the public informed through transparent and timely situational updates.