AYV News, May 22, 2025
On the side-lines of the 78th World Health Assembly, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, met with Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to discuss the ongoing partnership in public health and immunisation efforts.
In his remarks, Dr. Demby expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Nishtar for her recent visit to Sierra Leone, during which she participated in the African Vaccination Week celebrations and held a productive meeting with President Julius Maada Bio. He acknowledged Gavi’s longstanding support and its prompt response to the recent Mpox outbreak in the country.
Dr. Demby briefed the Gavi CEO on the Government’s actions following the initial detection of mpox cases. He noted that a public health emergency was swiftly declared, triggering the implementation of a comprehensive response strategy. This has included transitioning from home-based care to facility-based treatment and the establishment of dedicated Mpox treatment centres in strategic areas. He also emphasised the ongoing engagement with partners to secure vaccines for the outbreak.
In her response, Dr. Sania Nishtar thanked the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the warm reception during her visit to Freetown and commended the Ministry of Health for its rapid and coordinated response to the Mpox situation. She reaffirmed Gavi’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s public health priorities and confirmed that her team is working closely with the Ministry of Health to secure additional Mpox vaccines.
Dr. Demby was accompanied by Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva.
