By Emma Black
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to meeting its co-financing obligations for the country’s immunization program, following strong public advocacy by Health Alert Sierra Leone.
During a press conference on Friday, 8th August 2025, Health Alert urged the Ministry of Finance to promptly release funds to fulfill the government’s agreed financial contribution to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) through UNICEF, the advocacy group stressed that timely payment is critical to sustaining the nation’s immunization efforts, protecting public health, and maintaining the confidence of global health partners.
In response, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby convened a press briefing to assure citizens that the government is taking immediate action to honor its commitment, the Government of Sierra Leone remains steadfast in fulfilling its co-financing obligations to UNICEF for the immunization program, Dr. Demby stated. We have already completed the necessary preparations, and cheques have been signed to ensure payment is made ahead of the 31st August 2025 deadline agreed upon with GAVI.
The Minister emphasized that the move reflects the administration’s unwavering dedication to protecting citizens against vaccine-preventable diseases and expanding immunization coverage nationwide. He added that maintaining this partnership with GAVI is vital for securing continued vaccine supply and technical support.
Health Alert Sierra Leone has welcomed the Ministry’s swift action, noting that it demonstrates both responsiveness to civil society advocacy and a strong commitment to public health priorities. “This is a victory for transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, for the health of our children,” a spokesperson for the organization said.
The co-financing arrangement between the Government of Sierra Leone and GAVI requires the government to contribute a set portion of the total vaccine procurement cost annually, this ensures long-term sustainability of the immunization program and fosters national ownership over public health initiatives.
With the payment now set to be completed ahead of schedule, health officials are optimistic that Sierra Leone will continue to make progress in increasing vaccine coverage rates, reducing child mortality, and strengthening the healthcare system’s resilience.
As the deadline approaches, both the Ministry of Health and Health Alert have called on all stakeholders from government institutions to community health workers to remain committed to the shared goal of a healthier, fully immunized population.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,15th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
