Freetown – The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has formally demanded the full publication of a major five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on health cooperation signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United States.
The agreement restructures financing in Sierra Leone’s health sector and commits tens of millions of dollars in public funds, with the government required to steadily increase its co-investment up to 2030. Despite the deal’s far-reaching implications for healthcare infrastructure and national finances, the full text of the MOU, including annexes and financial schedules, has not been made public.
In response, ILRAJ has filed a formal request under Section 2(1) of the Right to Access Information Act, 2013, calling on the Ministry of Health to release the complete agreement without delay.
“Citizens have a legitimate right to know the precise terms, obligations, and financial commitments their government has undertaken,” ILRAJ stated. “Transparency and accountability are not optional in matters of public health and finance.”
The organization urged the Ministry to respond within the statutory timeframe stipulated by the Access to Information law.
The undisclosed MOU is seen as a significant test of Sierra Leone’s commitment to open governance. Health sector stakeholders and citizens alike are watching closely to see whether the government will uphold constitutional principles of accountability in an area that directly impacts the lives of millions of Sierra Leoneans.
As of now, no response from the Ministry of Health has been received.
