The Ministry of Health, supported by WHO and other partners, conducted an integrated review of the malaria vaccine introduction, the polio outbreak response (nOPV2 campaign), and the measles-rubella preventive campaign in the country. The review aimed at assessing the processes and results of three critical health interventions, share best practices, and develop strategies for future improvements. 

The review, held in Bo City and attended by 50 participants, highlighted several challenges encountered during the implementation of the three health interventions, documented best practices, developed actionable strategies to overcome obstacles, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to improve vaccine delivery across all levels of healthcare. An action plan was also formulated to address gaps in coverage and effectiveness, marking a pivotal step toward strengthening Sierra Leone's public health infrastructure. And build synergies that will ensure vaccination programs are more effective and far-reaching and leaving no child behind, with valuable lessons learned to be employed in introducing new vaccines to reduce the target disease burden in the country.

This partnership represents a critical milestone in Sierra Leone's efforts to strengthen its vaccine programs and outbreak responses, ensuring a robust public health system that protects its population from preventable diseases. Key challenges include logistical constraints for the malaria vaccine rollout, vaccine coverage gaps, and effective monitoring and evaluation.

Malaria, polio, and measles-rubella remain significant public health challenges in Sierra Leone. In April 2024, Sierra Leone introduced the first malaria vaccine into its routine Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) schedules, targeting children 18 months and below to reduce the malaria incidence. In addition, two rounds of national vaccination campaigns were conducted in May and June 2024, targeting children aged 0 to 59 months, following the detection of circulating vaccine-derived polio type 2 (cVDPV2) and a nationwide measles-rubella preventive vaccination campaign from July 3 to 10, 2024.

Based on the recommendation from the workshop, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, committed to implementing the action plans developed during the workshop. This commitment is focused on enhancing coverage, addressing gaps, and ensuring sustainable progress. The emphasis on continuous monitoring, evaluation, and capacity building provides a sense of security for the ongoing improvement of public health in Sierra Leone.  

The integrated review workshop in Bo District was a significant step in strengthening Sierra Leone's public health response to malaria, polio, and measles-rubella. The comprehensive assessment and the development of actionable strategies provided a clear roadmap for future improvements in vaccine delivery and disease outbreak response, instilling confidence in the audience about the future of public health in Sierra Leone. 

This workshop was made possible with financial contribution Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

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