For the first time in history, Sierra Leone is set to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign against Ebola, aiming to prevent any resurgence of the deadly virus that devastated the country ten years ago. The Ebola outbreak in West Africa claimed over 11,000 lives, with nearly 4,000 fatalities in Sierra Leone alone. In response to the lessons learned from that tragic period, health officials are delivering 20,000 doses of the Merck Ervebo vaccine over the next three weeks to at-risk populations, including healthcare workers, soldiers, and those involved in bushmeat hunting. The campaign aims to create a more resilient health system capable of managing future outbreaks effectively. Survivors of the previous outbreak, like Daddy Hassan Kamara, who lost his entire family, express hope for the future while acknowledging the challenges faced by those who survived. Many survivors are still struggling with health complications and stigma in accessing healthcare. Health officials emphasize the urgent need for preventive measures, stating that the risk of a new outbreak is always present. With support from Gavi, the vaccine alliance, the country is better equipped to prevent another crisis, although significant gaps in sanitation and healthcare access remain. Community health workers are now equipped with technology for real-time monitoring, which signals progress in the fight against infectious diseases. As Sierra Leone embarks on this ambitious vaccination effort, the hope is to ensure that history does not repeat itself while honoring the memories of those lost to the outbreak.
