By: Ibrahim J.Conteh
In an effort to reduce dependency on donor funding and ensure the sustainability of primary health care (PHC) and immunization programs, Health Alert- Sierra Leone, in collaboration with WASHNet and with support from partners, has launched the Advocacy for Increased Finance for Immunization and Primary Health Care Project. The launch event, held at City Hall in Freetown, 19th March, 2025 brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, Ministry of Finance, Parliament, local councils, donor partners, the media, and rights-based organizations.
In his presentation of project goals, objectives and work plan, Victor Lansana, National Director of Health Alert โ Sierra Leone, emphasized that the project seeks to engage sector players in implementing strategies that will reduce Sierra Leoneโs reliance on donor support. He highlighted that increasing domestic investment in health care is crucial to improving access to quality services, reducing out of pocket medical expenses, and strengthening the countryโs ability to respond to public health challenges.
Local consultant on financial analysis on immunization financing, Nathaniel Soloku provided an in-depth analysis of Sierra Leoneโs health care financing, revealing that government spending on health remains below the 25% target set by the Abuja Declaration (2001). He noted that while immunization is a priority, domestic financing remains weak, with vaccine administration heavily reliant on donor contributions from 2017 to 2023.
He identified key challenges, including limited government revenue mobilization and a constrained fiscal space for health funding.
Dr. Owusu-Aboagye, Immunization Specialist at UNICEF, hailed the initiative as a significant step toward sustainable health financing. He stressed that investing in immunization not only protects children and reduces disease burden but also strengthens national productivity.
He called for stronger collaboration between government, partners, and communities to build a resilient health system capable of sustaining essential health services.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Desmond Maada Kangha, Program Manager for the Expanded Program on Immunization at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening local funding for PHC and immunization.
He praised the Ministry of Finance for consistently meeting vaccine co-financing commitments over the past three years but called for further budgetary allocations to expand immunization services and cover traditional vaccines.
Dr. Kangha also highlighted Sierra Leoneโs progress in cold chain storage capacity, which has increased from 55% in 2022 to 92% today. However, he stressed the need to extend vaccine storage and distribution infrastructure to private health facilities, ensuring full national coverage.
The official launch of the project was preceded with a panel discussion featuring experts from various sectors, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Gavi, and Parliament’s Health Oversight Committee. Discussions centered on overcoming financing challenges for immunization and PHC, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for stronger public-private partnerships and innovative domestic resource mobilization strategies.