Sierra Leone to Make History with Launch of Nationwide Preventive Ebola Vaccination Campaign

Adama Adiatu in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is set to make history tomorrow as it launches the first-ever nationwide preventive Ebola vaccination campaign, a milestone moment for a country that bore the brunt of the devastating 2014-2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak. The campaign, targeting 20,000 frontline workers across all 16 districts, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.

This initiative marks a critical step in bolstering Sierra Leone’s health security. Frontline workers, including health professionals, ambulance drivers, traditional healers, religious leaders, and security forces, will receive a single dose of the highly effective Ervebo vaccine. The vaccines have been sourced from the Gavi-funded global vaccine stockpile, managed by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG), with Gavi also funding the campaign’s implementation.

Turning the Tide Against Ebola

The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak claimed over 11,000 lives worldwide, with Sierra Leone suffering nearly 4,000 deaths and 9,000 confirmed or probable cases. The health system was particularly hard-hit, losing nearly 7% of its workforce, a group up to 32 times more likely to be infected than the general population.

“This nationwide preventive vaccination campaign marks a significant step in strengthening our health system,” said Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health. “Protecting our frontline workers is vital to our National Health Security Plan, ensuring preparedness and resilience against future health threats. This is an investment in the safety of our people and a healthier Sierra Leone.”

A Decade of Progress

At the time of the West Africa outbreak, no approved vaccines were available, prompting Gavi to incentivize the development and production of Ebola vaccines. These efforts culminated in the creation of Ervebo, which demonstrated near 100% efficacy. Since 2021, a global stockpile of 500,000 doses has been maintained, ensuring accessibility for countries at risk.

Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, emphasized the historic significance of the campaign: “To have the first nationwide preventive vaccination campaign take place in the country most deeply impacted by the 2014 outbreak makes this milestone even more meaningful. We commend Sierra Leone and our Alliance partners for their continued commitment to protecting those most at risk.”

Comprehensive Support and Preparedness

WHO has played a pivotal role in preparing for the vaccination campaign, providing technical guidance, logistical support, and funding, while UNICEF has procured and delivered the vaccines. Both organizations have assisted with cold-chain systems to ensure vaccine potency and are working with local communities to increase trust and uptake.

Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, remarked, “This life-saving vaccine gives communities and frontline workers new hope for protection against this deadly disease.”

Looking Ahead

The campaign represents a broader regional effort, as countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda have already implemented similar measures. The Central African Republic is slated to follow suit, with additional countries eligible under the Gavi programme considering the timing of their rollouts.

As Sierra Leone embarks on this groundbreaking initiative, the nation’s resilience and partnerships with global health organizations serve as a beacon of hope for other countries confronting the threat of Ebola.