By Ibrahim S. Bangura
ierra Leone’s Immunization Programme Gets Major Boost with Solar Power and Cold Chain Equipment from
Sierra Leone — August 2025: Sierra Leone’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has received a transformative upgrade following the official handover of a 150KVA solar power system, vehicles, and cold chain equipment from UNICEF, with support from the Government of Sierra Leone and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The ceremony, held at the EPI Programme/Solar Complex in New England Ville, was attended by Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, development partners, civil society representatives, and members of the media.
The newly commissioned 150KVA solar power system will ensure uninterrupted electricity at the Central Vaccine Store, a critical step in maintaining vaccine potency across the country. “We cannot spend all this time and money bringing vaccines to Sierra Leone only to have them wasted because the light goes off,” said Dr. Demby, praising the solar upgrade as a game-changer for national health infrastructure.
EPI Manager Dr. Dennis Marke Kambai outlined the extensive investments made since 2023, including support from the Health System Strengthening (HSS) programme and COVID-19 Delivery Support (CDS) funds. Under the supervision of Dr. Demby and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sama Mohamed Kenneh, Sierra Leone secured a US$3 million CDS grant and reprogrammed an additional US$2.4 million from Gavi to strengthen routine immunization.
“Our cold chain capacity has grown from 54% to 91%,” Dr. Kambai announced. “With the 150 new sets of cold chain equipment received today, we will close the gap to 100%, with spare parts available nationwide.”
The support package includes: 100 solar refrigerators with spare parts, Eight four-wheel drive vehicles, 300 motorbikes, Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) kits, and full solarization of EPI offices and the Central Vaccine Store
To ensure last-mile delivery, motorized boats have been procured for riverine districts such as Bonthe and Karene. All 16 District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) now have at least 25KVA power capacity, and peripheral health units (PHUs) have received system upgrades. Bicycles have also been distributed to community health workers to strengthen outreach efforts.
“These investments mean we can now ensure every child, even in the most remote areas, receives potent vaccines on time,” Dr. Kambai emphasized.
UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwenk hailed the occasion as a milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system. He noted that the number of zero-dose children—those who have never received any vaccine—has dropped from 26,000 to 15,000 in just one year. “No child in Sierra Leone should die or be disabled from a preventable disease,” he said, urging parents to ensure full immunization for their children.
Schwenk also highlighted ongoing projects, including: Construction of three district vaccine stores in Kambia, Security upgrades in Karene and Falaba, Installation of a new walk-in cold room, solarization of 16 district vaccine stores and 48 rural health facilities, construction of 28 incinerators for biohazard waste, supply of 103 additional solar refrigerators
The event concluded with the symbolic handover of equipment, commissioning of the solar plant, and a guided tour of the facility. Dr. Demby thanked UNICEF, Gavi, and other partners for their continued support, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reaching every child with life-saving vaccines.