By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s immunization experts are reviewing the country’s vaccine portfolio to strengthen evidence-based planning and ensure that available vaccines are aligned with national health priorities and resources.
The three-day National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) meeting, which began on September 28 and ends today, September 30, brings together NITAG members and partners to review evidence generated through seven Vaccine Portfolio Optimization and Prioritization (VPOP) working groups.
The VPOP process is helping Sierra Leone assess its vaccine portfolio and determine which vaccines should be prioritized based on available evidence, national health priorities and available resources.
During the meeting, participants are reviewing and validating findings from the seven working groups, identifying gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence, and building consensus around the findings.
The discussions are expected to inform recommendations on vaccine prioritization and portfolio optimization, in line with Sierra Leone’s National Immunization Strategy 2026–2030, national health priorities and the Gavi 6.0 financing context.
The second NITAG meeting marks an important stage in moving the VPOP process from evidence gathering to evidence-based decision-making. Its recommendations are expected to support stronger immunization planning and improved health outcomes.
The review forms part of broader efforts to ensure that decisions on vaccines and immunization investments are guided by evidence and aligned with Sierra Leone’s health priorities.