Gavi Allocates $60.9 Million to Boost Sierra Leone’s Vaccination Drive
Sia Lucy Kannah 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 strategy covering 2026 to 2030.
The allocation was discussed during a meeting between President Bio and Gavi Chief Executive Officer Dr Sania Nishtar in Geneva on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, as both sides reviewed their longstanding partnership in strengthening vaccination services and public health delivery in Sierra Leone.
President Bio expressed appreciation for Gavi’s continued support, noting the partnership’s contribution to expanding vaccine coverage and strengthening the country’s immunisation system.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to domestic health financing, including a planned contribution of approximately US$4.8 million towards immunisation activities over the 2026–2030 period.
The government is also committed to continuing to fund more than 2,500 personnel involved in immunisation services, reflecting the importance of maintaining the workforce responsible for delivering vaccines to communities across the country.
During the engagement, President Bio requested that Gavi explore options for sustaining malaria vaccination coverage beyond 2027. He also emphasised the need for predictable disbursement of funds to help ensure continuity in immunisation programmes and effective planning.
Sierra Leone has reported more than 90 per cent coverage for essential vaccine antigens, while nearly 90 per cent of public primary healthcare facilities are said to have functional cold-chain equipment to support vaccine storage and delivery.
Gavi’s previous support to Sierra Leone has included the provision of motorbikes and trucks to strengthen health service delivery, as well as Mpox vaccine supplies and support for preventive Ebola vaccination.
Dr Nishtar commended President Bio for his advocacy on immunisation and public health, reaffirming the importance of the partnership in supporting vaccination programmes and protecting communities against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The new allocation forms part of the Gavi 6.0 strategy for 2026–2030, a period during which Sierra Leone will continue to work with the Vaccine Alliance to strengthen immunisation coverage, maintain essential health services and improve access to vaccines.