Story by GAVI Alliance
The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and a broad coalition of national and international health partners proudly commemorate African Vaccination Week (AVW) 2025 under the inspiring theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.” Sierra Leone has made significant strides in expanding immunization coverage, reducing child mortality and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Sierra Leone has high immunization coverage rates, with over 90% coverage of DTP3, or the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis-containing vaccine – commonly used as a marker for a health systems’ ability to consistently reach children with immunization.
The 2025 theme is both a challenge and a promise – a reminder that with decisive leadership, strong community engagement and sustained investment, we can reach every child, every family and every community with life-saving vaccines. Equity in immunization is not just an aspiration; it is a humanly possible reality.
However, challenges remain in reaching the most under-served and remote communities. Africa accounted for 1.8 million of the 4.2 million lives saved by vaccination globally in 2023. “The Big Catch-up” initiative has vaccinated over 5 million ‘zero-dose’ children in Africa since its launch in 2023. DTP3 coverage among one-year-olds in the region increased from 72% to 74% (post-COVID-19 pandemic), even with a rising birth rate. These advancements have been possible thanks to government efforts and the support from partners including Gavi, UNICEF, WHO and others.
“Vaccines are a powerful tool that protects individuals and communities, paving the way for healthier futures. This African Vaccination Week, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside the government and partners to ensure that every person in Sierra Leone, regardless of where they live, has access to these life-saving interventions. ‘Immunization for All is Humanly Possible’ is not just a slogan; it’s a goal we can achieve through collective action and unwavering dedication,” said Dr George Ameh, WHO Representative to Sierra Leone.
“Today, as we stand shoulder to shoulder with partners – Gavi, WHO, UNICEF and many others – we reaffirm our shared mission: to close the immunization gap, reach the zero-dose child, and strengthen primary health care systems. It is only through collective action, community engagement and strong leadership that we will build resilient health systems and ensure no one is left behind,” said Prof Julio Rakotonirina, Director of Health and Humanitarian Affairs, African Union Commission.
Throughout African Vaccination Week, Sierra Leone will:
- conduct outreach campaigns and mobile vaccination drives to reach under-served areas and hard-to-reach populations;
- support catch-up vaccination initiatives to ensure children and adolescents receive missed doses;
- engage parents, caregivers, traditional leaders, and health workers through public education and community mobilization to strengthen vaccine awareness; and
- promote vaccine confidence and tackle misinformation to ensure informed decision-making across communities.
With the continued support of its partners, the Government of Sierra Leone is strengthening its health systems, expanding cold chain infrastructure and increasing domestic investment in immunization, laying the groundwork for sustained vaccine coverage and a healthier, more resilient population.
Together, we will ensure that every person in Sierra Leone – no matter where they live – has access to the vaccines they need to survive and thrive. Immunization for all is not just a goal; it is Humanly Possible.