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Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called for a united effort among African leaders to achieve universal immunisation across the continent, emphasizing its critical importance for public health and national security.
As the keynote speaker at the 38th African Union Summit event themed: “Reaffirming Africa’s Commitment to Immunisation: A Call for Action to Strengthen Health Systems,” President Bio highlighted the progress made under the Addis Declaration on Immunisation (ADI) since 2017, which has significantly improved vaccine coverage and political support across Africa.
In his address, President Bio stated, “There is no greater measure of a nation’s progress than the health and well-being of its people. Vaccines are the silent architects of a nation’s strength; they fortify our communities and save lives.”
He mentioned that universal access to immunisation not only protects public health but also strengthens economies against health crises.
Reflecting on past epidemics, including Ebola and COVID-19, he noted that a robust immunisation system is essential for national security, emphasizing, “A strong immunisation system is not optional; it is fundamental to national security.”
Noteworthy achievements in Sierra Leone under President Bio’s leadership were shared, revealing record levels of national immunisation coverage by the end of 2024: measles vaccinations at 95%, DPT3 vaccinations at 97%, and the newly introduced malaria vaccine at 71%.
President Bio firmly rejected a status quo that allows preventable diseases to claim lives, stating, “We refuse to accept it.” He issued a powerful call to action, insisting that every child in Africa deserves access to life-saving vaccines: “THIS IS NOT CHARITY; IT IS COMMON SENSE.”
In his closing remarks, the President urged African leaders and all stakeholders to take ownership of the immunisation agenda, asserting the need for African leadership in ensuring vaccine distribution and funding.
The summit concluded with a statement from Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and Sanitation, who reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to advancing the immunisation cause, acknowledging Sierra Leone’s vital role in this effort.
