The Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Sania Nishtar, paid a courtesy visit to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Friday 2nd May, 2025 at the Presidential Lodge on Hill Station in Freetown. The high-level meeting came ahead of the 2025 World Immunization Week, which Sierra Leone is proudly hosting this year.
The visit highlights GAVI’s continued commitment to strengthening immunization systems and improving child health in Sierra Leone, a country that has made significant strides in recent years despite challenges posed by past health crises.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, thanked President Bio for receiving the team and lauded his exceptional leadership in championing immunization efforts. He noted that Sierra Leone’s selection as host of this year’s Immunization Week was a direct result of the country’s strong performance and contributions to the continental immunization agenda over the past five years.
Dr. Sania Nishtar praised President Bio and First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio, for their consistent advocacy for child health and immunization. She commended Sierra Leone for outperforming some larger countries in child vaccination coverage, attributing this success to strong political will and strategic partnerships.
“I am proud of what Sierra Leone has accomplished,” Dr. Sania Nishtar said. “Your Excellency, under your leadership, Sierra Leone has become a global example in immunization. Despite the challenges of Ebola and COVID-19, the country has emerged more resilient. On behalf of GAVI, I thank you for your unwavering commitment.”
She reaffirmed GAVI’s ongoing partnership, stressing that the organization would continue to support Sierra Leone through uncertain global times. “We remain firmly by your side,” she said.
Representing the African Union, Professor Julio Rakotonitina, Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs, also commended President Bio for his regional leadership in health. He applauded the President’s steadfast implementation of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Immunization; particularly the pillars focused on political engagement and the development of best practices, which he said have advanced AU health priorities.
Professor Julio Rakotonitina added that Sierra Leone’s progress under President Bio’s leadership is widely recognized and celebrated across the continent, offering valuable lessons for other nations.
In his response, President Bio warmly welcomed Dr. Sania Nishtar and her delegation, expressing deep appreciation for the longstanding collaboration between GAVI and Sierra Leone.
“As a nation, we deeply value our partnership with GAVI,” President Bio said. “Development cannot be achieved without a strong and inclusive healthcare system, from infancy to old age.”
He emphasized that his vision for human capital development goes beyond education, integrating health, agriculture, gender equity and youth empowerment. Reaffirming his commitment to public health, the President stated, “We are determined to ensure that every child in Sierra Leone receives all essential vaccines. This is not merely a political statement it reflects our core belief in the dignity and worth of every Sierra Leonean.”
The courtesy call concluded with mutual reaffirmation of collaboration and a shared goal of achieving universal immunization coverage in Sierra Leone and beyond.
