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A high-level follow-up SMART Advocacy meeting convened by Health Alert Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) under the Ministry of Health Sierra Leone was held on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at the Ministry of Finance in Freetown, focusing on the status of government commitments toward Gavi co-financing and cold chain equipment funding.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders from government and development partners to review progress on immunization financing obligations and to reinforce timely compliance ahead of critical international deadlines.
Speaking at the meeting, Executive Director of Health Alert Sierra Leone, Victor Lansana Koroma, explained that the forum formed part of ongoing SMART Advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability and coordination between the Ministries of Finance and Health. He noted that consistent engagement remains essential to ensuring sustained vaccine availability across the country.
Presenting an update on immunization performance and vaccine logistics, Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, Dr Desmond Maada Kangbai, commended the Ministry of Finance for its consistent track record in meeting Gavi co-financing obligations over the past four years, including payments made in 2025.
Dr. Kangbai emphasized that the purpose of the current engagement was to draw attention to the 2026 co-financing deadline scheduled for July, as well as the June deadline for cold chain equipment payments. He warned that delays in meeting these obligations could disrupt the timely procurement and distribution of vaccines, particularly to hard-to-reach communities.
He further stressed that early disbursement of funds plays a critical role in maintaining uninterrupted vaccine supply chains and ensuring that immunization services reach all districts without delay.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Principal Financial Secretary, Samuel E. B. Momoh, confirmed that the Minister of Finance, together with the Principal Financial Secretary, has already approved the requested payments for both Gavi co-financing and cold chain equipment. He assured participants that the necessary administrative processes were underway to ensure compliance within the required timelines.
The meeting ended on a note of reassurance and renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen coordination, with an emphasis on safeguarding Sierra Leone’s immunization programme and ensuring sustained access to life-saving vaccines nationwide.
