Sierra Leone's Health Minister Highlights National Immunization Progress at WHO Regional Meeting in Zambia

On the eve of the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75), Sierra Leone's Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, addressed a Gavi Ministerial Reception focused on catalyzing country ownership and African leadership in immunization. 

The event, part of the "Leap Initiative," underscored the continent's commitment to strengthening immunization programs.

Dr. Demby articulated Sierra Leone's vision through what he termed the "4 A's": Accompaniment, Alignment, Accelerated, and Accountable. He then presented concrete examples of Sierra Leone's leadership in this vital public health area.

"Our mission is clear: to reduce zero-dose children and leave no one behind. We are building a healthier and safer Sierra Leone for our children and our people," Dr. Demby emphasized.

Sierra Leone has demonstrated its commitment through significant financial contributions, providing USD 1,000,000 to Gavi for vaccine co-financing in both 2024 and 2025. 

Furthermore, the nation has made remarkable strides in reducing its "zero-dose" children—those who have not received their first vaccine dose—from 45,000 in 2022 to fewer than 10,000 by December 2024. 

These efforts are fully aligned with the Immunization Agenda 2030 and the African Regional Strategic Plan on Immunization.