AYV News, October 14, 2026
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 initiative for the 2026–2030 period.
The President made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Gavi Chief Executive Officer, Dr. SaniaNishtar, at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, where discussions focused on strengthening the country’s vaccination programmes and sustaining progress in public health.
President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s appreciation for its longstanding partnership with Gavi, highlighting the organisation’s 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.
“Sierra Leone greatly values its longstanding partnership with Gavi and its contribution to protecting the health and lives of our people, particularly our children,” President Bio said.
The President also emphasised the government’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations and supporting the sustainability of immunisation services. He disclosed that Sierra Leone had exceeded its recent vaccine co-financing obligations and committed approximately US$4.8 million in domestic financing for the 2026–2030 period.
He further noted that the government continues to finance more than 2,500 immunisation personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the delivery of essential vaccination services nationwide.
President Bio also highlighted the government’s 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero initiative, which seeks to strengthen accountability at district level and prevent avoidable maternal and child deaths. He said the initiative reinforces efforts to ensure that essential health services, including immunisation, reach communities across the country.
During the meeting, the President sought Gavi’s support in exploring options to sustain existing malaria vaccination coverage beyond 2027. He also called for predictable disbursements and timely implementation of Sierra Leone’s Gavi 6.0 allocation to ensure continuity in immunisation services through 2030.
In response, Dr. Nishtar thanked President Bio for visiting Gavi’s headquarters and described his presence as a demonstration of his commitment to the organisation’s mission. She commended his continued leadership and advocacy for global immunisation.
Dr. Nishtar also praised Sierra Leone’s progress in vaccination and expressed support for the country’s efforts to strengthen maternal and child health through the 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero initiative. She encouraged the President to continue using his leadership and international platform to advance Gavi’sobjectives.
Sierra Leone has made progress in expanding immunisation coverage, with national coverage for key vaccine antigens reported to be above 90%, according to the information provided by the government.
Gavi has supported the country’s vaccination infrastructure by helping ensure that 90% of public primary healthcare facilities have functional cold-chain equipment. Its assistance has also included motorbikes and dedicated vaccine trucks to improve first- and last-mile delivery of vaccines.
The partnership has further supported the provision of vaccine doses and operational assistance during the Mpox outbreak, as well as Sierra Leone’s national Ebola preventive vaccination campaign.
The US$60.967 million allocation under Gavi 6.0 is expected to support the continuation of immunisation programmes over the next five years, while the government’s domestic financing commitments and international advocacy efforts remain central to sustaining vaccination services and protecting vulnerable populations.
The meeting in Geneva underscores Sierra Leone’s continued engagement with international health partners as the country works to strengthen its healthcare system, expand access to essential services and prevent avoidable deaths among mothers and children.
