President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed a US$60.967 million allocation from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support Sierra Leone’s immunisation programmes from 2026 to 2030.
The President made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Gavi Chief Executive Officer Dr Sania Nishtar at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva.
President Bio praised Gavi’s longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone, noting that its support has helped expand immunisation coverage, introduce life-saving vaccines and improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.
He said the government had exceeded its recent vaccine co-financing obligations and committed approximately US$4.8 million in domestic financing for immunisation programmes between 2026 and 2030. He added that the government continues to finance more than 2,500 immunisation personnel.
The President also highlighted the government’s 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero initiative, which aims to strengthen accountability at district level and prevent avoidable maternal and child deaths.
He called on Gavi to support efforts to sustain malaria vaccination coverage beyond 2027 and ensure predictable funding disbursements for the timely implementation of Sierra Leone’s Gavi 6.0 allocation.
Dr Nishtar commended President Bio’s leadership and advocacy for Gavi, describing him as knowledgeable and committed to advancing the organisation’s objectives. She also praised Sierra Leone’s progress in immunisation and the government’s Triple Zero initiative.
According to the State House, national coverage for key vaccine antigens in Sierra Leone is above 90%. Gavi has also supported the country by providing cold-chain equipment, motorbikes and dedicated vaccine trucks to improve vaccine delivery to health facilities and communities.
The organisation has further supported Sierra Leone’s response to the Mpox outbreak and the national Ebola preventive vaccination campaign.
