Sierra Leone: Closing Immunization Gaps in Africa – 2025

Can Sierra Leone‘s Success Pave the Way for Continent-Wide Immunization?

Imagine a future where every child in Africa has access to life-saving vaccines, nonetheless of their location or socioeconomic status. Sierra Leone is stepping up to make that vision a reality, leading a regional charge during African Vaccination Week (AVW) 2025. But what does this mean for the rest of the continent, and how can the U.S. play a role?

Sierra Leone’s Impressive Immunization Record

Sierra Leone isn’t just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk.With over 90% coverage of the third dose of the immunization–vaccines-and-biologicals-at-who—june-2024″ title=”Message by the Director of the Department of …, Vaccines and …”>DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine, the nation sets a high bar for immunization system performance [[1]]. This achievement is a testament to the country’s commitment to public health and its ability to effectively deliver vaccines to its population.

Did you no? Sierra Leone has received over US$200 million in support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, since 2001, enabling them to expand their routine immunization programme [[1]].

African Vaccination Week 2025: A continental Effort

from April 24th to May 2nd, 2025, Sierra Leone joined other African nations in commemorating the 15th edition of AVW, spearheaded by the World Health Association (WHO) [[1]]. The theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” underscores the belief that vaccination is a basic human right and a critical tool for preventing disease and saving lives.

The ‘Big Catch-Up’ Initiative: Reaching the Unreached

Despite progress, millions of African children remain unvaccinated, largely due to systemic inequities and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [[1]]. The ‘Big Catch-Up’ initiative, launched in 2023, has vaccinated over 5 million previously unreached children, increasing DTP3 coverage in the region from 72% to 74% [[1]].This initiative highlights the importance of targeted efforts to address immunization gaps.

The African Union’s Commitment to Immunization

Professor Julio Rakotonirina, Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the african Union Commission, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating that saving lives through immunization is not only possible but a responsibility [[1]]. The African Union is committed to the Addis declaration on Immunization, Agenda 2063, and Carmma Plus (2021-2030), continental frameworks that prioritize immunization for health equity and sustainable development [[1]].

Expert Tip: The Addis Declaration on Immunization is a historic commitment by African heads of state to ensure that everyone on the continent has access to the vaccines they need [[1]].

Sierra Leone’s Strategies for Success

Sierra leone’s success isn’t accidental.The country has implemented several key strategies to improve immunization rates:

• Outreach campaigns and mobile vaccination drives to reach underserved areas [[1]].
• Catch-up vaccination initiatives to ensure children receive missed doses [[1]].
• Engaging parents, caregivers, and community leaders through public education [[1]].
• Promoting vaccine confidence and tackling misinformation [[1]].

Investing in Infrastructure and Training

With ongoing partner support, Sierra Leone is investing in cold chain infrastructure, health worker training, and solarization of health facilities, strengthening its capacity to deliver vaccines nationwide [[1]]. These investments are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of immunization programs.

The Role of Global Partnerships

Gavi CEO Dr. Sania Nishtar applauded sierra Leone’s leadership, noting the country’s progress on routine immunization while introducing new vaccines and responding to disease outbreaks [[1]]. Gavi’s commitment to this partnership helps protect more children and supports the country’s sustainable development.

Rapid fact: Sierra Leone has expanded its routine immunization program to include vaccines against rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, HPV, polio, measles, rubella, yellow fever, cholera, and malaria [[1]].

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While Sierra Leone’s progress is commendable, challenges remain. Systemic inequities, misinformation, and logistical hurdles continue to hinder immunization efforts across Africa. However, with continued commitment, strategic investments, and strong partnerships, the goal of immunization for all is within reach.

What do you think? Share your thoughts on how global partnerships can further support immunization efforts in Africa in the comments below!

Can Sierra Leone’s Success Pave the Way for Continent-Wide Immunization? An Expert Weighs In

Sierra Leone is emerging as a leader in immunization efforts in Africa. With impressive vaccine coverage rates and strategic initiatives, the nation is setting a positive example for the continent. But can its success be replicated across Africa? We spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a global health expert specializing in immunization programs, to delve deeper into Sierra Leone’s achievements and the potential for continent-wide impact.

Time.news Editor: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Sierra Leone boasts over 90% coverage of the third dose of the DTP vaccine [[1]]. What makes this achievement so significant in the context of African immunization?

Dr. Anya Sharma: It is remarkable. High DTP3 coverage indicates a robust routine immunization system. it shows that Sierra Leone is effectively reaching its population with essential vaccines. This is crucial for protecting children from preventable diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Especially considering the country has expanded its vaccine program to also include vaccines for rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, HPV, polio, measles, rubella, yellow fever, cholera and malaria [[1]].

Time.news Editor: The article mentions African Vaccination Week (AVW) 2025 and the theme “Immunization for all is Humanly Possible.” How does this initiative contribute to the broader goal of universal immunization in Africa?

Dr. Anya sharma: AVW is a vital advocacy and awareness campaign.It reinforces the message that vaccination is a basic human right [[1]]. It is a human right that everyone should have access to life saving vaccines. By uniting African nations and partners around a common goal, AVW creates momentum for immunization programs and encourages greater investment and political commitment.

Time.news editor: The ‘Big Catch-Up’ initiative is highlighted as a way to reach unvaccinated children. Can you elaborate on why these “catch-up” campaigns are so important?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Absolutely. Disruptions, like those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, can leave many children behind on their vaccination schedules [[1]]. “Catch-up” campaigns are proactive measures to find and vaccinate these previously unreached children, addressing immunization gaps and preventing potential outbreaks.

Time.news Editor: The African Union is committed to the Addis Declaration on Immunization. What impact is this declaration meant to have on vaccine access across the continent?

Dr. Anya sharma: The Addis Declaration is a landmark commitment by African leaders to prioritize immunization [[1]]. It provides a framework for increasing investment, strengthening health systems, and improving vaccine supply chains. It signals a strong political will to ensure that everyone in Africa has access to life-saving vaccines.

Time.news Editor: Sierra Leone employs various strategies, including outreach campaigns and community engagement, to improve vaccine uptake [[1]]. Which of these strategies do you believe are most effective, and why?

Dr. Anya Sharma: A multi-pronged approach is key, but community engagement stands out. When parents, caregivers, and community leaders are actively involved in promoting vaccination, it builds trust and addresses misinformation [[1]]. Cultivating that trust is what leads to vaccine confidence. this is notably critically important in areas where vaccine hesitancy is a challenge.

Time.news Editor: What role do global partnerships, such as the one between Sierra Leone and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, play in strengthening national immunization programs?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Global partnerships are essential. Organizations like Gavi provide financial and technical support, enabling countries like Sierra Leone to expand their routine immunization programs and introduce new vaccines [[1]]. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring access to affordable vaccines and building lasting health systems.

Time.news Editor: The article acknowledges that challenges remain in achieving universal immunization in Africa, including systemic inequities and misinformation. What are some concrete steps that can be taken to address these challenges?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Addressing systemic inequities requires targeted interventions to reach marginalized communities.Fighting misinformation involves clear,consistent communication from trusted sources to promote vaccine confidence [[1]]. Investing in health worker training and cold chain infrastructure is also vital for ensuring that vaccines are delivered safely and effectively.

time.news Editor: What key lessons can other African nations draw from Sierra Leone’s success in immunization, and how can they adapt these lessons to their own unique contexts?

Dr. Anya Sharma: sierra Leone demonstrates the power of political commitment, strategic planning, and community engagement. Other nations can learn from their experiences by prioritizing immunization, investing in their health systems, and tailoring their approaches to meet the specific needs of their populations.

Time.news Editor: looking ahead, what needs to happen to make widespread immunization coverage a reality across the entire African continent?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Success will require sustained political will, increased investment, and strong partnerships. And also innovative strategies to overcome logistical hurdles and address vaccine hesitancy. By working together and prioritizing immunization, we can protect millions of children from preventable diseases and build a healthier future for Africa.