President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed a US$60.967 million allocation from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support Sierra Leone’s immunisation programmes under the Gavi 6.0 programme for 2026–2030.
The President made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Gavi Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sania Nishtar at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
President Bio expressed appreciation for Gavi’s longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone, noting its contribution to protecting lives, particularly those of children, through expanded immunisation coverage, the introduction of life-saving vaccines and improved access to healthcare in underserved communities.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to sustaining the partnership, stating that Sierra Leone had exceeded its recent vaccine co-financing obligations, committed approximately US$4.8 million in domestic financing for 2026–2030 and continued to finance more than 2,500 immunisation personnel.
The President also highlighted the Government’s 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero initiative, which seeks to prevent avoidable maternal and child deaths by strengthening accountability at district level and ensuring that essential health services, including immunisation, reach communities across the country.
During the meeting, President Bio sought Gavi’s support in exploring options to sustain existing malaria vaccination coverage beyond 2027. He also called for predictable disbursements and the timely implementation of Sierra Leone’s Gavi 6.0 allocation to maintain immunisation services through 2030.
Dr. Nishtar thanked President Bio for visiting Gavi’s headquarters and commended his continued leadership in global advocacy for the vaccine alliance.
“This is something very close to your heart and you are committed to it. I am struck by your knowledge and understanding of the issues,” Dr. Nishtar told the President.
She described herself as a strong advocate for Sierra Leone, citing the country’s progress in immunization. She also praised the 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero initiative and encouraged President Bio to continue using his leadership and influence to support Gavi’s mission.
According to the information provided, Sierra Leone’s national coverage for key vaccine antigens exceeds 90 per cent. Gavi has also supported efforts to strengthen the country’s vaccine delivery system, including helping ensure that 90 per cent of public primary healthcare facilities have functional cold-chain equipment.
Other areas of support have included the provision of motorbikes and dedicated vaccine trucks to facilitate vaccine delivery to communities, supplies and operational assistance during the Mpox outbreak, and support for the national Ebola preventive vaccination campaign.
The US$60.967 million allocation is expected to support Sierra Leone’s immunization priorities during the 2026–2030 period, while the Government seeks to sustain vaccination coverage and strengthen access to essential health services nationwide.