Expanded Program on Immunization

28/02/2026

The Ministry of Health, through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), convened a two day DRIVE Initiative Annual Review Meeting on 26th–27th February 2026 at Saphyre Court, Brookfields. Launched in March 2024, the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunization Vaccines for Equity (DRIVE) Initiative aims to strengthen last-mile vaccine distribution and improve equitable access to routine immunization services in hard to reach and underserved communities. The initiative is currently being implemented in eight priority districts Kailahun, Kono, Bonthe, Bombali, Karene, Falaba, Tonkolili, and Western Area Urban where challenges in geographic access and immunization coverage have been identified.

The meeting brought together District Health Management Teams, delivery partners, oversight committees, and partners to review implementation progress, vaccine delivery performance, key achievements, and operational challenges. Discussions also focused on accountability, payment refunds, and ways to improve vaccine distribution timelines. The review reaffirmed the importance of the DRIVE Initiative in strengthening the immunization supply chain and ensuring vaccine availability at service delivery points, while emphasizing improved coordination, accountability, and supportive supervision to sustain equitable immunization service delivery.

21/02/2026

The Ministry of Health, through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and its partners, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,UNICEF Sierra Leone,World Health Organization Sierra Leone,convened a four-day residential workshop from 17th–20th February in Makeni to finalize the National Immunization Strategy (NIS), prioritize the Gavi Full Portfolio Planning (FPP) budget, and develop the 2026 EPI Workplan.

Building on a successful 2025, where routine immunization coverage for key antigens exceeded 95%, this strategic engagement focused on strengthening programme direction, addressing funding constraints, and implementing key recommendations from the recent Gavi audit and Joint Appraisal.

Together, we remain committed to consolidating our gains and advancing equitable, high-quality immunization services across Sierra Leone.

19/02/2026

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Ministry of Health,engaged district cold chain technicians specialized professionals responsible for maintaining and monitoring refrigeration systems that keep vaccines safe and potent. The meeting provided an opportunity to reintroduce their critical role, review operational challenges, and identify practical ways to strengthen cold chain performance across districts.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,UNICEF Sierra Leone,

13/02/2026

Join us today Ministry of Health,Population Services International - Sierra Leone,at 3:00 PM for an expert-led Radio and Facebook Live discussion on “How Close Are We to Eliminating Cervical Cancer in Sierra Leone?”

Be part of the conversation as we quantify progress, share insights, and strengthen the fight against cervical cancer. Don’t miss it your awareness could save a life.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,World Health Organization Sierra LeoneUNICEF Sierra Leone,

Three years into implementation of Sierra Leone’s National Policy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer 2023-2028, in alignment with WHO’s (2020) Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, we sit this week with Ministry of Health’s three Pillar Leads on cervical cancer elimination; , and to explore Sierra Leone’s journey in closing the gaps towards achievement of the goal.

Join us this Friday at Epic Radio 99.3fm and on Facebook at Services International-Sierra Leone as we quantify progress toward cervical cancer elimination in Sierra Leone.

Ministry of Health Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance World Health Organization Sierra Leone UNICEF Sierra Leone Population Services International Expanded Program on Immunization

11/02/2026

Strengthening Immunization safety through Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR )and Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI)

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)Ministry of Health,in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, conducted a two-day capacity-building training on 10th–11th February, in Makeni and Kambia for 25 Mobilizers and 75 EPI focal persons and frontline health workers from Bombali, Karene, Tonkolili, Port Loko, and Kambia.

The training aimed to strengthen their ability to safely respond to emergencies and effectively manage Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).

As immunization services continue to expand nationwide, participants were equipped with essential skills in Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid, early detection, management, reporting, and referral of AEFI cases in line with national guidelines. Practical sessions on surveillance and digital reporting tools were also provided to enhance data management and ensure timely reporting.

This initiative is expected to improve health facility preparedness, reinforce AEFI reporting systems, and further build public confidence in vaccines. Together, we remain committed to delivering safe, high-quality immunization services and protecting our communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.

10/02/2026

The Expanded Programme on Immunization remains committed to the fight against cervical cancer. Protect every 10-year-old girl by taking her to the nearest government health facility for the free HPV vaccine safe, effective, and life saving.

05/02/2026

As we reflect on our 2025 journey, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Ministry of Health extends its heartfelt appreciation to all District Health Management Team Staff, our partners, World Health Organization Sierra Leone,UNICEF Sierra Leone,Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,Africa CDC,Population Services International - Sierra Leone,civil society organizations (CSOs), sister programmes, and MDAs for your continued collaboration and active engagement throughout the year, including during our Annual Review Meeting.

Your dedication and support remain vital to strengthening routine immunization services and ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone is protected against vaccine preventable diseases.

Together, we move forward with renewed commitment and shared purpose.

02/02/2026

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) remains committed to protecting every child against vaccine-preventable diseases and is proud to share its key highlights for 2025. We sincerely thank our partners, UNICEF Sierra Leone,World Health Organization Sierra Leone,Clinton Health Access Initiative,Africa CDC,stakeholders, and all contributors for their unwavering support in making these achievements possible.Ministry of Health

Here’s 2025 Wrap : https://online.fliphtml5.com/xlnyr/EPI-2025-Wrap-H3Sk/

30/01/2026

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of the Ministry of Health has successfully concluded its three-day Annual Review Meeting in Bo City, bringing together national and district stakeholders to review progress and set priorities for the year ahead.

The review highlighted key Programme Management achievements in 2025, including sustained high immunization coverage, improved district performance, and strengthened collaboration to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children, while aligning actions for 2026 priorities.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Health, Austin Demby, emphasized the importance of a life-course, person-centred approach to healthcare, guided by data-driven decision-making. He commended EPI for maintaining over 90% immunization coverage for five consecutive years and for introducing additional life-saving antigens.

The meeting also featured a certification ceremony recognizing all 16 districts and national EPI staff, with special recognition awarded to Bonthe (Best Performing District), Western Area Rural (Second), and Moyamba & Pujehun (Third).and also two EPI staff Shengbe Momoh and Ramatu Mansaray
World Health Organization Sierra Leone,UNICEF Sierra Leone,Clinton Health Access Initiative,Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

The Annual Review concluded with a shared commitment to turn lessons from 2025 into action in 2026, ensuring no child is left behind.

28/01/2026

📍 2026 EPI Annual Review Meeting | Bo City

The Ministry of Health,through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), today commenced the 2026 EPI Annual Review Meeting from 28th–30th January 2026 at the Wizard Hall in Bo City, bringing together MoH leadership, District Health Management Teams, EPI national, CSOs, Traditional Leaders, MDAs, partners Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance UNICEF Sierra Leone,ICAP,Africa CDC.World Health Organization Sierra LeoneI,CHAI,and others) and other key stakeholders.

The meeting aims to review the performance of the EPI programme, identify gaps and best practices, strengthen coordination, and agree on strategic actions and a 2026 work plan to further improve immunization service delivery across the country.

Discussions and presentations will focus on routine immunization, HPV and Mpox, vaccine logistics and cold chain, vaccine safety (AEFI), social mobilization, and surveillance, as well as district-by-district performance reviews, partner updates, and group work on priority thematic areas.

Together, stakeholders will reaffirm their commitment to strengthening immunization services and ensuring that every child, everywhere, is reached with life-saving vaccines.

23/01/2026

Join us today on Epic Radio 99.3FM and Facebook as we discuss cervical cancer elimination services in Sierra Leone and where to access them. Let’s stay informed and protect our health.
Population Services International - Myanmar, World Health Organization Sierra Leone,UNICEF Sierra Leone, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,Ministry of Health

This , PSI Sierra Leone continues to highlight Sierra Leone’s progress and ongoing efforts towards cervical cancer elimination in the country.

Join us this Friday on Epic Radio 99.3fm and here on Facebook at Services International - Sierra Leone, as we explore with our health professionals the available cervical cancer elimination services in Sierra Leone and where to access them.

Ministry of Health Expanded Program on Immunization Epic Radio 99.3fm

20/01/2026

Digital tools are transforming vaccine management in Sierra Leone. A new study published in Frontiers in Digital Health (Dec 2025) shows how training 150 frontline health workers across 96 facilities on the Electronic Stock Management Tool (eSMT) significantly improved digital skills and reduced vaccine stock-out risks.

Digital confidence among health workers increased from 18% to over 80%, strengthening vaccine data and logistics management nationwide.

Led by the Ministry of Health, this initiative positions EPI as a key driver of digital transformation in Sierra Leone’s health system.

Read the full paper: https://public-pages-files-2025.frontiersin.org/.../pdf.

UNICEF Sierra Leone,World Health Organization Sierra Leone,Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,Ministry of Health,