Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed a grant of US$60.967 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to Sierra Leone as part of the Gavi 6.0 programme for 2026–2030.
During a meeting with Dr Sania Nishtar, Gavi’s Chief Executive Officer, in Geneva, President Bio expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and Gavi. “We value your contribution in protecting our people’s health, especially our children,” he said. He highlighted the success of the collaboration, which has led to increased immunisation coverage and better healthcare access in underserved areas.
President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the partnership by exceeding recent vaccine co-financing obligations, pledging approximately US$4.8 million in domestic financing for the next four years, and ensuring over 2,500 immunisation personnel are funded.
He asked Gavi for support in maintaining malaria vaccination coverage beyond 2027 and stressed the importance of timely financial disbursements to sustain immunisation services until 2030.
Dr Nishtar praised President Bio’s dedication and leadership in global health advocacy, recognising the impressive strides Sierra Leone has made. “You have a deep understanding of the issues,” she told him, commending initiatives like “300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero.” She urged him to keep leveraging his influence in support of Gavi.
Currently, Sierra Leone boasts a national coverage above 90% for key vaccines, and Gavi has provided essential resources, including cold-chain equipment and support during health crises like the Mpox outbreak and Ebola vaccination efforts.
