In response to the growing threat of Mpox in Pepel and its surrounding operational communities, Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) has launched a vigorous community sensitization campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting disease prevention.
The sensitization event, held in Pepel town, brought together a cross-section of community stakeholders, including local authorities, youth leaders, health professionals, and members of the police force. The initiative served as a platform to educate residents on the transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures associated with Mpox.
Opening the session, Alhaji Mohamed Turay, Community and Security Manager of Leone Rock highlighted the urgency of the campaign, citing the rapid spread of Mpox across various towns in the country. He called on residents especially young people and community leaders to stay vigilant and proactive. “Early detection and community vigilance are key to preventing further outbreaks,” Turay stated firmly.
Notable figures in attendance included Felix Koroma, Officer in Charge of the Pepel Police Station; Foday Kamara, Community Health Officer at Pepel PHU; the Chiefdom Mamy Queen; the Youth Leader; and several other influential community members. Turay expressed gratitude for their active participation and continued commitment to public health.
A major highlight of the program was a detailed PowerPoint presentation by LRMG’s HSE Advisor, Patrick Bob Macarthur. His session offered in-depth information about the Mpox virus covering its transmission pathways, visible symptoms, and practical prevention methods that can be employed at both personal and community levels.
Foday Kamara, the Community Health Officer, provided a thorough breakdown of the stages of Mpox rash development, from macules and papules to vesicles, pustules, and scabs. He also shared historical context, explaining that Mpox was first identified in 1958 in Denmark and the first human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. Kamara further informed attendees about the World Health Organization’s decision to rename the disease from “Monkeypox” to “Mpox” in 2022 to help reduce stigma.
Kamara reassured the community, stating, “The disease usually runs its course in two to four weeks, even without treatment, as it is generally mild.”
This awareness campaign is a component of LRMG’s broader commitment to health and safety within its operational zones. The company has already taken proactive steps at its sites to curb the spread of the virus, including regular health screenings, installation of hygiene stations at all entry points, mandatory sick leave for symptomatic employees, and ongoing awareness training sessions.
These measures were not only introduced to the residents during the engagement but also recommended for community adoption. LRMG reiterated its dedication to the well-being of its over 7,000 employees and the communities where it operates, emphasizing the need for strong collaboration between residents, healthcare workers, and local authorities in the fight against infectious diseases.
This timely and impactful initiative underscores LRMG’s role as a responsible corporate citizen committed to safeguarding public health.
