President Julius Maada Bio delivered an uncompromising message to global leaders at the GAVI Vaccine Impact Summit in Brussels, saying ‘vaccine access must be treated as a basic right, not a favor or a handout’.
“Health through immunization is not a privilege. It is a right. His address cut through diplomatic pleasantries, urging world powers to confront vaccine inequality head-on and to back their words with action,” President Bio said.
President Bio spotlighted Sierra Leone’s own progress, noting that despite limited resources, the country has introduced both malaria and HPV vaccines and sustained over 90% coverage for key childhood immunizations figures that rival much wealthier nations.
“These investments haven’t just moved numbers they have saved lives. We have cut child mortality in half. That means fewer funerals, more birthdays, and stronger communities.”
He also addressed the country’s recent containment of an MPOX outbreak, crediting hard-earned lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. He used the moment to underline a central point – resilience doesn’t come from charity, it comes from steady investment, local ownership, and strong global cooperation.
As GAVI launched its new five-year plan, GAVI 6.0, President Bio endorsed the strategy but challenged global donors to follow through. “We can’t afford to lose ground. If health is truly a right, then borders, bank accounts, and birthplaces should not determine who gets a shot.”
The summit, co-hosted by GAVI, the European Union, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, gathered leaders and funders from around the world to address the growing urgency of closing vaccine gaps, especially as health aid becomes more unpredictable.
President Bio’s remarks were a reminder that leadership isn’t about waiting for ideal conditions, it’s about pushing forward anyway. “Health is not a luxury,” he said. “It’s the foundation of justice.”
