Gavi grants $60.97 million for Sierra Leone vaccination
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sierra Loaded
Sierra Leone will receive $60.97 million from Gavi to strengthen childhood vaccination through 2030. The funding is expected to expand malaria vaccination and introduce a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, according to information provided by Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry.
Sierra Leone has received an allocation of $60.97 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen childhood vaccination and fund its national immunisation strategy through 2030. The funding is part of the Gavi 6.0 programme, according to Sierra Loaded.
Some of the funds will be used to extend malaria vaccination to the Western urban area, following its introduction in the country’s other 15 districts. The expansion is expected to protect about 40,000 additional young children each year. The programme also provides for the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, within 24 hours of delivery, for newborns cared for in public facilities.
Sierra Leone has maintained routine vaccination coverage above 90% for five years, according to Sierra Loaded. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to paying its share of co-financing on time, while the Ministry of Health, led by Austin Demby, continues to expand access to vaccines.
