In a significant step to strengthen its healthcare system against future outbreaks, Sierra Leone has begun a nationwide Ebola vaccination campaign, marking the first of its kind in the country’s history. This initiative aims to protect healthcare workers and other frontline personnel who are most vulnerable to Ebola exposure. The campaign follows years of preparation and lessons learned from the devastating 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, which claimed nearly 4,000 lives in Sierra Leone alone and overwhelmed the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

The vaccination drive uses the Ervebo vaccine, a highly effective single-dose solution. Approximately 20,000 doses have been delivered, with a focus on targeting at-risk groups, including healthcare professionals, traditional healers, and transportation workers such as motorbike taxi operators. The vaccines are being administered as part of a broader strategy to build resilience and prevent another catastrophic epidemic. This effort comes in collaboration with global partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which also support the initiative logistically and financially.

This campaign highlights Sierra Leone’s commitment to learning from past crises and ensuring better preparedness. Alongside vaccination efforts, the government is enhancing health system surveillance, border monitoring, and community engagement to address vaccine hesitancy and improve public trust.

Preventive Ebola vaccination is also gaining momentum in other African nations at risk, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. These efforts aim to create a safety net across regions historically impacted by the disease.

If you want to explore more, I recommend checking detailed updates from sources like WHO or Gavi’s official platforms.