UN Agencies Weekly Highlights- June 16-June 20

United Nations Sierra Leone 
 

UNICEF 

Fighting mpox: UNICEF scales up critical support in Sierra Leone 
As the Sierra Leone Government battles the third Mpox outbreak in the country, UNICEF is stepping up with comprehensive action to safeguard communities and support the acceleration of the national response. In close partnership with the Government, the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, and global partners, UNICEF is driving critical interventions to curb the spread of Mpox. 

Sierra Leone is facing its third Mpox outbreak, officially declared on 13 January 2025 after the first case was confirmed on 10 January. As of 17 June, there have been over 4000 confirmed cases and 25 deaths, with most patients recovering. The outbreak mainly affects people aged 20–39, especially women aged 20–29, and is concentrated in the Western district. 

“This Mpox outbreak is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be disrupted, especially for the most vulnerable — children and families,” said Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. “UNICEF is working with the Government and partners to deliver urgent support — from vaccines and safe water to trusted information and psychosocial support — so that communities can stay safe, informed, and resilient.” 

With over $600,000 already invested, UNICEF is driving Mpox prevention and control efforts across Sierra Leone through risk communication, WASH improvements, education, child protection, and vaccination initiatives. 


WHO 

WHO convenes high-level meeting to bolster Sierra Leone’s mpox response 
Freetown, Sierra Leone –The World Health Organization (WHO) convened a high-level meeting in Freetown to update key partners on Sierra Leone’s national response to the ongoing mpox outbreak and to mobilize coordinated support to address critical gaps. 

Chaired by Ambassador Jens Kraus-Mass, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the meeting brought together 20 strategic stakeholders including the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, the Head of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Prof. Foday Sahr, ECOWAS representatives, ambassadors, and development partners. 

Since confirming its first case in January 2025, Sierra Leone has recorded 4,181 confirmed mpox cases across all 16 districts. While the recent decline in new infections, 1,168 over the past three weeks signals progress, urgent action is needed to sustain the response. 

Minister Demby thanked WHO and partners for their solidarity, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based action: “This is a learning opportunity. We will build capacity and strengthen institutions, ensuring everything we do is guided by science.” 

Key progress reported includes expanded testing capacity, vaccination of healthcare workers and at-risk groups, enhanced community outreach, and targeted training in infection prevention and control (IPC). Yet, challenges persist, particularly in surveillance, genomic sequencing, psychosocial support, and IPC supply chains. 

“The next three weeks are crucial,” said WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh. “Maintaining momentum is essential to preserve gains and prevent resurgence.” 

With young adults aged 20–39, especially females 20–29, most affected, stakeholders called for deeper behavioural analysis and targeted interventions. 

Ambassador Kraus-Mass affirmed continued diplomatic support: “We are rethinking our approach to ensure we close gaps and support Sierra Leone more effectively.” The meeting underscored the power of coordinated action and reaffirmed commitment to halting transmission, protecting communities, and strengthening long-term health systems. 

UNDP  

UNDP hands over community facilities to strengthen local security in Kono District 
In a significant step towards strengthening community safety, accountability, and resilience, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have officially handed over newly constructed Local Police Partnership Board (LPPB) offices to stakeholders in Soa, Gbense, and Kamara chiefdoms in Kono District. 

This milestone marks a key achievement under the Human Security Project, jointly implemented by UNDP and FAO and funded by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). The initiative applied the Human Security Approach to address the interlinked vulnerabilities faced by rural communities, ranging from conflict recovery and environmental degradation to weak governance and economic Exclusion. 

“These new facilities are more than just buildings, they symbolize community trust, local ownership, and our collective commitment to building peaceful and resilient societies. We are proud to stand with the people of Kono District in advancing sustainable development and inclusive security,” said Fredrick Ampiah , UNDP, Resident Representative. 

The targeted chiefdoms of Soa, Gbense, and Kamara, rich in mineral resources but  historically underserved, have faced the lasting impacts of Sierra Leone’s civil conflict, harmful mining practices, and limited infrastructure.  Through this joint project, UNDP, focused on strengthening community governance, conflict resolution, early warning systems, and social inclusion.  FAO promoted climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and improved food security. The new LPPB offices will serve as community hubs for mediation, early response to conflict, and collaboration between citizens and local law enforcement.