08/05/2026
*Health Alert & EPI Engage Parliamentary Caucus on Immunization*
With support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) Health Alert Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), convened a high-level engagement with the Parliamentary Caucus on Immunization at Committee Room One in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament Wednesday 6th May, 2026.
In his opening remarks, the executive director of Health Alert Victor Lansana Koroma Esq explained that the purpose of the engagement was to update the leadership and membership of the Caucus on the current status of the co-financing commitments. He recalled that the Ministry of Finance, through its Deputy Principal Financial Secretary, Mr. Momoh, had recently confirmed approval of the payment.
However, he noted that the actual transfer of funds had not yet been effected due to procedural steps involving the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Accountant General, Bank of Sierra Leone, and State House. Mr. Koroma emphasized the importance of the Caucus’ support in engaging these institutions to ensure swift disbursement before the deadline.
Representing EPI, Michael Jones provided an update on the strides made in immunization coverage across Sierra Leone. He underscored the critical role of co-financing, noting that GAVI currently contributes 80 percent of vaccine costs while the Government of Sierra Leone covers 20 percent. He cautioned that by 2027, GAVI plans to gradually reduce its support, making domestic resource mobilization essential for sustaining immunization programs.
Mr. Jones highlighted GAVI’s recommendation that Sierra Leone strengthen its domestic financing mechanisms to fill the gap once donor contributions decline.
19/04/2026
*Press Release*
Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 17, 2026.
*HEALTH ALERT, WASHNET AND PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS ON HEALTH COMMEND GOVERNMENT*
Health Alert Sierra Leone , WASHNet, and the Parliamentary Caucus on Immunization and Primary Healthcare commend the Ministry of Finance for the timely approval of Sierra Leone’s GAVI cofinancing commitment for 2026 for vaccines and immunization.
As part of Health Alert and WASHNet activities to advocate for increase domestic financing and timely payment of GAVI Co-Financing to sustain Immunization, a meeting was held on the 8th April, 2026 at the Ministry of Finance headquarters on George Street Freetown, where the Executive Director of Health Alert emphasized the importance of continous advocacy to ensure the government meets it co-financing obligations.
In responding to this, the Deputy Principal Financial Secretary Mr. Samuel E.B. Momoh confirmed that the payment was approved ahead of the deadline. This proactive step is critical to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system and improving broader health outcomes.
However, we are calling on the Ministry of Health, through the Extended Program on Immunization (EPI), to expedite the submission of required PET forms as requested by the Ministry of Finance as this will ensure swift disbursement and prevent unnecessary delays.
Health Alert and WASHNet reaffirm their commitment to follow up on this commitment and also monitor payment of these funds to the Ministry of Health through the Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) to ensure Sierra Leone sustains its gains in vaccines, immunization, and overall healthcare delivery.
End of Release
16/04/2026
*Showcasing Advocacy Achievements Post-Istanbul*
Since the Istanbul MPs meeting, Health Alert Sierra Leone has been at the forefront of strengthening parliamentary engagement and advancing national commitments on immunization and health financing with support from GlobalHealth Advocacy Incubator(GHAI).
*Key milestones we’re proud to share:*
- Parliamentary Caucus Established: A dedicated platform now drives sustained dialogue, oversight, and legislative action on immunization and primary healthcare.
- Timely Approval of 2025 GAVI co-financing: Secured prompt co-financing to support lifesaving vaccines
- Influence in Budget Deliberations: Our advocacy positioned immunization and primary healthcare as national priorities, improving financing and accountability.
- Timely Approval of 2026 Gavi Co-Financing: Parliamentarians mobilized through our efforts secured Sierra Leone’s commitment, safeguarding vaccine supply and reinforcing health system resilience.
- Increase in Dedicated Immunization Budget by over 100%: achieved a significant rise in national funds for immunization.
Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱
HealthAlertSierraLeone
08/04/2026
*THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE APPROVES GAVI CO-FINANCING PAYMENT FOR VACCINES AND IMMUNIZATION*
In a high-level follow up SMART Advocacy meeting conveyed by Health Alert Sierra Leone in partnership with the Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) Ministry of Health held at the Ministry of Finance in Freetown Wednesday 8th April, 2026.
The Ministry of Finance has approved the payment of the GAVI co-financing and Cold Chain Equipment payment before the deadline dates.
Laying the premise on the essence of the meeting, the executive director of Health Alert, Victor Lansana Koroma Esq said the meeting is to follow up on the GAVI co-financing obligations status as it's part of the organization’s key activities to engage the Ministry of Finance and Health on same.
Doctor Desmond Maada Kangbai, programme manager Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) starts by commending the Ministry of Finance for their timely payment of the co-financing in 2025 which has not been the case in previous years.
Dr. Kangbai said this meeting is to remind the Ministry of the deadline date for the 2026 payment which is due in July ending.
He underscores the advantages of timely payment of the co-financing which ensures timely vaccines availability and late payment always affects timely availability.
Therefore, as July draws closer it is but important that the Ministry of Finance expedite the process to be able to meet up with the deadline of July for the co-financing and the Cold Chain Equipment payment deadline in June he maintained.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Finance Deputy Principal Financial Secretary Mr. Samuel E.B Momoh said the Minister of Finance has approved the payment of the GAVI co-financing in full before the deadline month of July by extension the Cold Chain Equipment payment in full.
20/11/2025
*The Programme Manager of Health Alert Sierra Leone, Mr. Darlton John, has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the national strategy for eliminating cervical cancer in Sierra Leone.*
Speaking at a Roundtable Dialogue on Cervical Cancer Elimination convened by the Ministry of Health, Mr. John emphasized that Health Alert will intensify sensitization efforts, strengthen community engagement, and mobilize all available resources to contribute meaningfully to this process. He underscored the organization’s resolve to stand with partners and stakeholders in ensuring that cervical cancer prevention and control remain a national priority.
©️ *HEALTH ALERT ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS DESK*
21/10/2025
https://manoreporters.com/news/health/health-alert-hosts-district-finance-officers-on-health-budget/
Health Alert hosts District Finance Officers on health budget - ManoReporters.com
By Kemo ChamADVERTISEMENT The advocacy organization, Health Alert on Monday October 20th hosted finance officers of five of Sierra Leone’s district councils to discuss their health budgets. The districts – Falaba, Karene, Kenema, Bombali and Western Area Rural – are part of an initiative co-ch...
20/10/2025
Health Alert & WASHNet Convene Strategic Update Meeting with District Council Finance Officers, CSOs, and Media Representatives.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilization for immunization and primary health care, Health Alert and WASHNet held a one-day update meeting on Monday, 20th October 2025, at the Health Alert office located at #1 Backhall Road, Freetown. This initiative is supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) with funding from GAVI.
The meeting brought together five district councils finance officers/Accountants from Kenema, Bombali, Falaba, Karene, and Western Rural including Districts including project coordinators, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media representatives based in Freetown. The gathering served as a critical platform for cross-district dialogue, transparency, and accountability in health financing.
Central to the discussions were updates from district council finance officials, who presented outcomes from their recently concluded bilateral budget decisions with District Health Management Teams (DHMTs). These presentations focused on allocations earmarked for primary health care and immunization services, highlighting both progress and gaps in local government commitments.
Participants engaged in constructive dialogue around budgetary trends, challenges in fund disbursement, and opportunities for improved coordination between councils and DHMTs. CSOs and media representatives underscored the importance of sustained advocacy, public awareness, and inclusive monitoring to ensure that health financing decisions translate into tangible service delivery improvements.
This meeting marks a pivotal step in reinforcing multi-stakeholder collaboration and amplifying the role of local governance in advancing equitable and sustainable health outcomes. Health Alert and WASHNet reaffirmed their commitment to supporting district-level actors through technical assistance, evidence-based advocacy.
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