Health Alert Sierra Leone

06/08/2026

https://sierraloaded.sl/news/finance-ministry-payment-gavi-vaccine-funding/

The Ministry of Finance has assured health stakeholders of its commitment to immediately pay Sierra Leone’s GAVI Co-Financing obligation to support the

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100089000498095/posts/1075696765406997/?app=fbl

Finance Ministry Approves Full GAVI Co-Financing to Safeguard Sierra Leone’s Immunization Programme

The Ministry of Finance has given final approval for the full GAVI co-financing payment, with immediate effect, to support the procurement of vaccines and essential cold chain equipment for Sierra Leone’s immunization programme.

Financial Secretary Mr. Mathew Dingie reaffirmed the commitment during a high-level follow-up meeting on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, at the Ministry of Finance. The meeting brought together the Parliamentary Committee on Health, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of the Ministry of Health, and Health Alert Sierra Leone.

The payment had received ministerial approval in April 2026 but had not yet been disbursed. In response to the delay, Health Alert Sierra Leone, working with the Parliamentary Committee on Health and EPI and supported by GHAI, convened the meeting to press for the funds to be released before this month’s official deadline.

The engagement reflects the shared resolve of civil society, Parliament and the Ministry of Health to protect Sierra Leone’s immunization gains and avoid any interruption in vaccine supply. Prompt fulfilment of the co-financing obligation is essential to maintain strong national immunization coverage and safeguard communities across the country.

05/08/2026

*MINISTRY OF FINANCE CONFIRMS FINAL APPROVAL OF GAVI CO-FINANCING PAYMENT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT*

On Tuesday, 4th August 2026, the Financial Secretary, Mr. Mathew Dingie, reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to pay the total GAVI-Co Financing Agreement with immediate effect following its approval by the Minister of Finance in April, 2026 for the procurement of vaccines and other essential cold chain equipment for immunization in Sierra Leone.

This confirmation was delivered during a high-level follow-up meeting held at the Ministry of Finance with the Parliamentary Committee on Health, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) under the Ministry of Health, and Health Alert Sierra Leone.

This renewed approval follows an earlier endorsement made in April 2026, which was yet to be translated into actual disbursement. In light of this delay, Health Alert Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Committee on Health and EPI with support from GHAI, convened the meeting to urge the Ministry of Finance to honor its commitment and ensure the payment is completed before the official deadline this month.

The engagement underscores the collective determination of civil society, Parliament, and the Ministry of Health to safeguard Sierra Leone’s immunization gains and prevent any disruption in vaccine availability. Timely fulfillment of the co-financing obligation remains critical to sustaining the country’s strong immunization coverage and protecting communities nationwide.

© HEALTH ALERT SIERRA LEONE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS DESK

24/07/2026

The Role of School Authorities during Immunisation Campaigns

08/05/2026

*Health Alert & EPI Engage Parliamentary Caucus on Immunization*

With support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) Health Alert Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), convened a high-level engagement with the Parliamentary Caucus on Immunization at Committee Room One in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament Wednesday 6th May, 2026.

In his opening remarks, the executive director of Health Alert Victor Lansana Koroma Esq explained that the purpose of the engagement was to update the leadership and membership of the Caucus on the current status of the co-financing commitments. He recalled that the Ministry of Finance, through its Deputy Principal Financial Secretary, Mr. Momoh, had recently confirmed approval of the payment.

However, he noted that the actual transfer of funds had not yet been effected due to procedural steps involving the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Accountant General, Bank of Sierra Leone, and State House. Mr. Koroma emphasized the importance of the Caucus’ support in engaging these institutions to ensure swift disbursement before the deadline.

Representing EPI, Michael Jones provided an update on the strides made in immunization coverage across Sierra Leone. He underscored the critical role of co-financing, noting that GAVI currently contributes 80 percent of vaccine costs while the Government of Sierra Leone covers 20 percent. He cautioned that by 2027, GAVI plans to gradually reduce its support, making domestic resource mobilization essential for sustaining immunization programs.

Mr. Jones highlighted GAVI’s recommendation that Sierra Leone strengthen its domestic financing mechanisms to fill the gap once donor contributions decline.

19/04/2026

*Press Release*
Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 17, 2026.

*HEALTH ALERT, WASHNET AND PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS ON HEALTH COMMEND GOVERNMENT*

Health Alert Sierra Leone , WASHNet, and the Parliamentary Caucus on Immunization and Primary Healthcare commend the Ministry of Finance for the timely approval of Sierra Leone’s GAVI cofinancing commitment for 2026 for vaccines and immunization.

As part of Health Alert and WASHNet activities to advocate for increase domestic financing and timely payment of GAVI Co-Financing to sustain Immunization, a meeting was held on the 8th April, 2026 at the Ministry of Finance headquarters on George Street Freetown, where the Executive Director of Health Alert emphasized the importance of continous advocacy to ensure the government meets it co-financing obligations.

In responding to this, the Deputy Principal Financial Secretary Mr. Samuel E.B. Momoh confirmed that the payment was approved ahead of the deadline. This proactive step is critical to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system and improving broader health outcomes.

However, we are calling on the Ministry of Health, through the Extended Program on Immunization (EPI), to expedite the submission of required PET forms as requested by the Ministry of Finance as this will ensure swift disbursement and prevent unnecessary delays.
Health Alert and WASHNet reaffirm their commitment to follow up on this commitment and also monitor payment of these funds to the Ministry of Health through the Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) to ensure Sierra Leone sustains its gains in vaccines, immunization, and overall healthcare delivery.

End of Release

16/04/2026

*Showcasing Advocacy Achievements Post-Istanbul*

Since the Istanbul MPs meeting, Health Alert Sierra Leone has been at the forefront of strengthening parliamentary engagement and advancing national commitments on immunization and health financing with support from GlobalHealth Advocacy Incubator(GHAI).

*Key milestones we’re proud to share:*
- Parliamentary Caucus Established: A dedicated platform now drives sustained dialogue, oversight, and legislative action on immunization and primary healthcare.
- Timely Approval of 2025 GAVI co-financing: Secured prompt co-financing to support lifesaving vaccines
- Influence in Budget Deliberations: Our advocacy positioned immunization and primary healthcare as national priorities, improving financing and accountability.
- Timely Approval of 2026 Gavi Co-Financing: Parliamentarians mobilized through our efforts secured Sierra Leone’s commitment, safeguarding vaccine supply and reinforcing health system resilience.
- Increase in Dedicated Immunization Budget by over 100%: achieved a significant rise in national funds for immunization.

Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱

HealthAlertSierraLeone

08/04/2026

*THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE APPROVES GAVI CO-FINANCING PAYMENT FOR VACCINES AND IMMUNIZATION*

In a high-level follow up SMART Advocacy meeting conveyed by Health Alert Sierra Leone in partnership with the Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) Ministry of Health held at the Ministry of Finance in Freetown Wednesday 8th April, 2026.
The Ministry of Finance has approved the payment of the GAVI co-financing and Cold Chain Equipment payment before the deadline dates.

Laying the premise on the essence of the meeting, the executive director of Health Alert, Victor Lansana Koroma Esq said the meeting is to follow up on the GAVI co-financing obligations status as it's part of the organization’s key activities to engage the Ministry of Finance and Health on same.

Doctor Desmond Maada Kangbai, programme manager Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) starts by commending the Ministry of Finance for their timely payment of the co-financing in 2025 which has not been the case in previous years.

Dr. Kangbai said this meeting is to remind the Ministry of the deadline date for the 2026 payment which is due in July ending.
He underscores the advantages of timely payment of the co-financing which ensures timely vaccines availability and late payment always affects timely availability.

Therefore, as July draws closer it is but important that the Ministry of Finance expedite the process to be able to meet up with the deadline of July for the co-financing and the Cold Chain Equipment payment deadline in June he maintained.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Finance Deputy Principal Financial Secretary Mr. Samuel E.B Momoh said the Minister of Finance has approved the payment of the GAVI co-financing in full before the deadline month of July by extension the Cold Chain Equipment payment in full.

15/01/2026

https://www.advocacyincubator.org/news/2025-12-15-how-sierra-leones-vaccine-commitments-are-protecting-families

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator changes policies to save lives.