By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, June 29, 2026 — The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has formally requested the Ministry of Health to release the full text of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Health Cooperation between Sierra Leone and the United States.
The agreement, signed on December 22, 2025, by Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Rabia M. Qureshi, commits Sierra Leone to steadily increasing co-investment in the health sector until 2030. By then, the country is expected to assume responsibility for the majority of commodity costs, health workforce expenditure, and laboratory operations.
Transparency Concerns
ILRAJ, led by CEO Basita Michael, argues that despite the agreement’s sweeping implications for financing and governance of Sierra Leone’s health sector, the full text has not been made public. Only high-level press releases have been issued, with no annexes, implementation plans, or financial schedules available online.
“The public interest in disclosure is compelling, as the MOU directly affects the health, welfare, and public finances of the entire population,” ILRAJ stated in its letter, citing the Right to Access Information Act, 2013.
Specific Requests
ILRAJ has asked the Ministry to provide:
- Complete signed MOU, including amendments and signature pages.
- Annexes and schedules detailing financial obligations.
- Budget documents showing how co-investment commitments will be met.
- Records of disbursements made since signing.
- Fiscal reforms required as conditions of U.S. assistance.
ILRAJ has given the Ministry ten working days to respond, warning that any refusal or partial disclosure will be appealed to the Information Commissioner and, if necessary, challenged in court.
Broader Implications
The call for transparency comes amid growing public debate over Sierra Leone’s health financing and the role of international partners. Analysts note that the agreement could reshape the country’s health sector but stress that citizens must be informed of the commitments being made on their behalf.