Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, 13 October 2026- President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance’s allocation of US$60.967 million to Sierra Leone under the Gavi 6.0 programme for 2026-2030.
The President made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva.
“Sierra Leone greatly values its longstanding partnership with Gavi and its contribution to protecting the health and lives of our people, particularly our children,” President Bio said.
He highlighted results delivered through the partnership, including expanded immunisation coverage, the introduction of life-saving vaccines and improved access to services in underserved communities.
President Bio also underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment as a dependable partner. “We have exceeded our recent vaccine co-financing obligations, committed approximately US$4.8 million in domestic financing for 2026-2030, and continue to finance more than 2,500 immunisation personnel,” he stated.
He told Gavi’s leadership that, through the 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero initiative, the Government is strengthening accountability at district level to prevent avoidable maternal and child deaths and ensure essential health services, including immunisation, reach every community.
The President also sought Gavi’s support in exploring options to sustain existing malaria vaccination coverage beyond 2027. He called for predictable disbursements and timely implementation of Sierra Leone’s Gavi 6.0 allocation to ensure the continuity of immunisation services through 2030.
Dr. Nishtar thanked President Bio for visiting Gavi’s headquarters, saying his presence demonstrated a strong commitment to the organisation’s ideals. She commended his continued leadership in global advocacy for Gavi.
“This is something very close to your heart and you are committed to it. I am struck by your knowledge and understanding of the issues,” she told President Bio.
Dr. Nishtar also said she was a strong advocate for Sierra Leone, citing the country’s impressive progress. She praised the 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero initiative and urged President Bio to continue using his leadership and voice in support of Gavi.
In Sierra Leone, national coverage for key antigens is above 90%. Gavi has also supported Sierra Leone’s vaccination efforts by helping ensure that 90% of public primary health care facilities have functional cold-chain equipment. Its support has included motorbikes and dedicated vaccine trucks for first- and last-mile delivery, vaccine doses and operational assistance during the Mpox outbreak, and support for the national Ebola preventive vaccination campaign.
