Expanded Program on Immunization

Gender, equity and human rights are essential to delivering quality health services and ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) participated in the Gender, Equity and Human Rights Integration in Health Training organised by the Ministry of Health Gender Desk with support from WHO Sierra Leone and World Health Organization African Region from 15–18 September 2026.

The training strengthened participants’ knowledge and skills in integrating gender, equity and human rights principles into health programmes and service delivery. For EPI, it provided an opportunity to further strengthen gender-responsive and inclusive immunisation planning and implementation, while addressing barriers that may affect access to vaccines.

EPI remains committed to ensuring equitable immunisation services for all and advancing the goal of Immunisation for All — leaving no one behind.

Behind every vaccine decision is a careful review of the evidence that will shape how we protect Sierra Leone’s children.

Sierra Leone’s National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) has concluded a two-day workshop reviewing which vaccines the country should prioritise next.

Through the Vaccine Portfolio Optimisation and Prioritization (VPOP), the group considered disease burden, vaccine effectiveness and safety, equity, cost, feasibility and long-term sustainability.

Every child matters, and every decision must be guided by the strongest available evidence.

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sierra Leone welcomed the newly appointed Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, during his first leadership visit to the programme.

Dr. Kabba described EPI as his “first point of call” and commended the strong leadership of the Programme Manager, as well as the teamwork between EPI, partners, and the Ministry of Health.

“Immunization is important because it prevents deaths.” He also commended the efficiency of health system strengthening efforts, highlighting the effective use of resources to support not only vaccination but the health system as a whole.

During the visit, Dr. Kabba received an overview of EPI’s structure, ongoing activities, priorities, and chronogram for strengthening immunization services nationwide.

Expressing his excitement to be at EPI, Dr. Kabba encouraged the team to sustain the momentum, embrace innovation, and continue working with partners to improve immunization coverage and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Together, we remain committed to reaching every child with every vaccine, everywhere. 💉🇸🇱

Across Sierra Leone, over 1,500 frontline health workers are being equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to deliver better immunisation services for every child.

From 25th to 29th August 2026, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), with partners, is conducting Immunisation in Practice (IIP) and Reaching Every Child (REC) cascading training across all 16 districts.

Delivered at the chiefdom level, the training is strengthening health workers to improve service delivery, use data better and reach children in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

Building stronger health workers. Reaching every child.

Yesterday, the EPI Program Manager had the privilege of visiting the Serum Institute of India, a leading vaccine manufacturer and key supplier to our immunization programme.

The visit offered valuable insights into vaccine production, potential partnerships, and cost-effective solutions, including Rotasiil and Pneumosil. As we transition into Gavi 6.0, these lessons will support our efforts to build a stronger and more sustainable immunization programme in Sierra Leone.

We remain committed to stronger partnerships and better health outcomes.

We remain grateful for His Grace.

💙🚣‍♂️ When the road ends, the mission continues.

Through rough terrain and river crossings, health workers under the DRIVE Project are ensuring lifesaving vaccines reach every child, no matter how remote their community.

Every mile travelled is a step closer to protecting a child.

Reaching the Unreached, One Journey at a Time. 💙💉

Meet Mrs. Umu Hawa Barrie-Jalloh, Health Promotion and Social Mobilization Focal Person.

Communities are the cornerstone of immunization services. As we continue the 300 Days of Zero-Dose Child Catch-up Campaign, let us strengthen community engagement to identify, reach, and vaccinate every missed child. Together, we can ensure no child is left behind.

Meet Mr. Sallu Lansana, EPI Data Manager and M&E Team Lead.

“Tracking every child’s vaccination, eliminating zero-dose gaps, and reducing defaulters through data-driven action.”

Quality data helps us find missed children, improve coverage, and ensure no child is left behind.