The Bong County Health Team, in partnership with the County Administration, has officially launched the Monkeypox (Mpox) vaccination program in the region, following discovery of at least two cases.
The launch took place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at C.D. Dunbar Hospital in Gbarnga.
During the ceremony, Mr. Gayflor Sumo Nyangwebah, the Director of Community Health Division on behalf of the County Health Team, announced that the Bong County Health Team (BoCHT) has received 200 doses of the Mpox vaccine from the Ministry of Health.
Mr. Nyangwebah emphasized that the initial vaccine supply will primarily be allocated to individuals who were in contact with confirmed cases, including frontline healthcare workers.
He remarked, “The 200 doses are insufficient for the general public; however, we are in discussions with the Ministry of Health to secure more supplies.”
Currently, Bong County has reported two confirmed cases of the Monkeypox virus, one at C.D. Dunbar Hospital and the other at Phebe Hospital. Both patients are in isolation and undergoing treatment.
Mr. Nyangwebah told journalists that the confirmed cases originated from the Denta community in Jorquelleh District Two and the Duta Town situated in Kpaai, Electoral District #1.
Dr. Nyangwebah said individuals from these areas who had contact with the patients will be prioritized for the initial vaccination phase.
To build public confidence and encourage participation, Mr. Nyangwebah was the first to receive the vaccine at the launch.
County Administrator Samuel Elliott, representing Superintendent Loleyah Hawah Norris, officially initiated the vaccination rollout.
He praised the Ministry of Health and the County Health Team for their prompt action and highlighted the necessity of expanding vaccination efforts to reach a larger segment of the population.
At the same time, the County Administrator, Sam B.Elliott, also called for enhanced collaboration between the County Administration and the Health Team to effectively address the spread of the virus.