Freetown, 22nd December 2025 – The United States and Sierra Leone have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing $129 million over five years to strengthen Sierra Leone’s health care system, enhance disease prevention, and improve access to quality services beginning in 2026.
The agreement, signed in Freetown, underscores a shared vision for resilient health systems and deeper bilateral cooperation. Speaking at the ceremony, Rabia M. Qureshi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the US Embassy in Freetown, said the MoU reflects 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 stated. “Over the past 25 years, U.S. global health programs have saved over 26 million lives through PEPFAR, prevented millions of babies from being born with HIV or AIDS, and improved maternal and child health outcomes. This agreement sets clear goals, requires co‑investment, and establishes performance benchmarks to ensure tangible results.”
She emphasized that the America First Global Health Strategy, released in September, prioritizes both the safety of Americans and the strengthening of health systems in partner countries like Sierra Leone. The MoU, she added, will enhance disease surveillance, improve data systems, and build capacity for rapid response to outbreaks.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, described the signing as a milestone in a long history of US engagement with Sierra Leone’s health sector. He recalled the role of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the 1976 Lassa fever outbreak, which led to extensive studies on the disease in Sierra Leone.
“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 Minister extended appreciation on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, noting that the agreement provides a strategic framework for cooperation that goes beyond formality.
The MoU 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 agreement into measurable impact, ensuring that the benefits reach every community.
As Qureshi concluded: “Together, we will protect our economies, promote American health innovation, and ensure that both of our nations are better prepared for future health challenges. The United States stands with Sierra Leone as we work together to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for us all.”
