Japan-Supported Project Strengthens Sierra Leone’s Preparedness
A Japan-supported project initially launched to curb mpox is now helping strengthen Sierra Leone’s preparedness for Ebola through community networks that promote reliable health information and support public health responses.
The project "Rapid Response to the Mpox Outbreak in Sierra Leone: Scaling Up Detection, Diagnosis, Case Management, and Community Engagement for Vulnerable People Affected by Mpox to Curb the Outbreak, progress' was highlighted on November 6, 2026, when Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Yoshimoto joined representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health on a visit to Grafton to assess the project's impact.
During the visit, the delegation met people living with HIV, who shared how trusted community networks help them access accurate health information, counter misinformation and encourage healthier behaviours.
The project uses an “Each One Teach One” approach, which equips community members with reliable health information to share within their own social networks.
This helps extend public health awareness beyond formal health facilities and into communities. The delegation also visited WAR Wounded Secondary School, where students participated in a health sensitisation session on protecting themselves, their families and their communities.
Although the project was established to support efforts against mpox, the surveillance, coordination and community engagement capacities developed through the initiative are now contributing to wider preparedness for Ebola. The visit highlighted the role of community networks and trusted health information in strengthening the country's ability to respond to public health emergencies.
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