President Bio meets with GAVI CEO

By Emma Black

May 2, 2025  Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, led a high-level delegation to meet His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the Presidential Lodge in Hill Station, Freetown, on Friday, May 2, 2025. The courtesy call, held ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2025 World Immunization Week, highlighted GAVI’s strong partnership with the government and its commitment to improving child health through robust immunization programs.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, welcomed the delegation and thanked President Bio for hosting the visit, he noted that choosing Freetown to commemorate this year’s World Immunization week reflects Sierra Leone’s remarkable progress in immunization over the past five years, this is a tribute to President Bio’s outstanding leadership and our country’s contributions to Africa’s immunization goals, Dr. Demby said.

Dr. Nishtar expressed her honor in meeting President Bio and praised both him and First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio for their dedication to immunization and child health. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s success in vaccinating more children than some larger nations, despite challenges like the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks. Under your leadership, Sierra Leone shines on the global stage for immunization, Dr. Nishtar said. Your resilience and political will have made this possible. On behalf of GAVI, I thank you for your unwavering commitment.

Dr. Nishtar reaffirmed GAVI’s support, stating, Even in these uncertain times, we stand by Sierra Leone. We will continue to support your government and people to strengthen immunization systems.” Her words underscored GAVI’s long-term partnership with the country.

Professor Julio Rakotonitina, the African Union’s Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs, also commended President Bio’s leadership. He praised Sierra Leone’s implementation of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Immunization, which focuses on political engagement and sharing best practices. Your efforts have advanced the African Union’s health goals, Professor Rakotonitina said. He added that Sierra Leone’s progress under President Bio inspires the entire continent.

In response, President Bio warmly welcomed Dr. Nishtar and her delegation on behalf of Sierra Leone’s government and people. He expressed gratitude for GAVI’s support, emphasizing the importance of a strong healthcare system, development depends on inclusive healthcare, from childhood to old age, he said, my vision for human capital development includes education, health, agriculture, gender equity, and youth empowerment.”

President Bio reiterated his commitment to ensuring every Sierra Leonean child receives essential vaccines, this is not just a promise it is rooted in our belief in the dignity of every Sierra Leonean,” he declared.

The visit marks a significant moment as Sierra Leone prepares to celebrate World Immunization Week, showcasing its progress and reinforcing its partnership with GAVI. President Bio’s leadership continues to drive advancements in child health, positioning Sierra Leone as a model for immunization efforts across Africa.