US, Sierra Leone Ink $129M Health Care Deal

The United States and Sierra Leone have signed a landmark $129 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over five years to strengthen Sierra Leone’s health care system, enhance disease prevention, and improve access to quality services starting in 2026.

The agreement, signed in Freetown, reflects a shared vision for resilient health systems and deeper bilateral cooperation. Rabia M. Qureshi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the US Embassy in Freetown, said the MoU embodies America’s new global health strategy.

“With the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, we reaffirm our shared commitment to building resilient, durable health systems that protect our citizens and advance our mutual interests,” Qureshi said. “Over the past 25 years, U.S. global health programs have saved over 26 million lives, prevented millions of babies from being born with HIV/AIDS, and improved maternal and child health outcomes. This agreement sets clear goals, requires co-investment, and establishes performance benchmarks to ensure tangible results.”

The MoU aligns with the America First Global Health Strategy, prioritizing both the safety of Americans and the strengthening of health systems in partner countries like Sierra Leone. It will enhance disease surveillance, improve data systems, and build capacity for rapid outbreak response.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, described the signing as a milestone in a long history of US engagement in the country’s health sector, recalling the pivotal role of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the 1976 Lassa fever outbreak.

“The US government has been with Sierra Leone since independence. One of the largest engagements was in 1976 when CDC discovered Lassa fever was endemic here. Today’s ceremony marks another important step forward in a partnership grounded in shared values and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of our people,” Demby said.

He confirmed that Sierra Leone will contribute alongside the US in implementing the $129 million package over the next five years, guided by four principles: clear vision, alignment, accelerated pace, and mutual accountability.

“We know that if we miss the opportunity of providing services for babies in their first 60 months, they pay the price for the rest of their lives. That is why we must move at an accelerated pace. We want to be accountable for these resources, and we expect accountability from our partners as well. This MoU is about results, better outcomes for our communities, families, and future generations,” Demby stressed.

The agreement is expected to channel resources into frontline health care delivery, disease prevention, and preparedness, while strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to respond to future health threats. Both governments pledged to translate the MoU into measurable impact, ensuring the benefits reach every community.

Key Areas of Focus

The $129 million program will target several strategic areas:

Maternal and Child Health: Expanding prenatal care, vaccination campaigns, and nutrition programs.

Disease Prevention and Control: Strengthening surveillance for infectious diseases including malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Lassa fever.

Health Workforce Development: Training more health professionals, including nurses, midwives, and lab technicians.

Health Infrastructure: Improving hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and digital health systems for better patient care and data management.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Demby emphasized that accountability mechanisms will be critical to success. Quarterly reviews and joint performance assessments will ensure resources are used efficiently, while community feedback mechanisms will allow citizens to track improvements in their local health facilities.

“This partnership is not just about funding—it’s about building a sustainable system that will continue to save lives long after this MoU ends,” Demby added.

Qureshi also highlighted that the partnership aligns with broader regional goals, supporting Sierra Leone’s role in West Africa’s health security network, ensuring rapid response capacity for cross-border outbreaks, and promoting knowledge sharing with neighboring countries.

The MoU represents a continuation of decades-long collaboration between the US and Sierra Leone, reinforcing a shared vision for resilient, community-focused health systems.