Freetown, Sierra Leone—Tuesday 23rd December 2025.
The Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the United States of America have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Health Cooperation, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership to strengthen healthcare and protect populations from the threats of infectious diseases.
This five-year agreement, commencing from 2026 through to 2030, was signed on Monday 22nd December 2025 by the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, and the Chargé d’Affaires, Rabia M. Qureshi, of the United States Embassy in Freetown.
With this, Sierra Leone becomes one of the first few beneficiary countries in Africa as the U.S Government seeks to explore new ways of doing business with nations around the world.
Signing on behalf of the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Health Minister, Dr. Austin Demby, said;
“This agreement reflects Sierra Leone’s strong leadership and commitment to building a resilient, and self-reliant health system.” Dr. Demby went on; “The MOU is not just about funding—it is about reimagining a new approach to delivering health services by ensuring that partners align their support with our national development aspirations.”
As well as increasing domestic co-investment by Sierra Leone, the funding will deliver measurable and sustainable key health outcomes in four thematic areas including:
· Dramatically reducing deaths from HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and measles
· Lowering maternal and under-five mortality rates
· Achieving near-universal HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression
· Strengthening outbreak detection and response within 7 days of emergence
Through this partnership, the Government will prioritize health security, primary health care, and domestic health financing reform, while also protecting data sovereignty, regulatory authority, and national development priorities. A Joint Health Cooperation Steering Committee will oversee implementation, monitor progress, and ensure transparency and accountability.
“With this MOU, we affirm our shared commitment to building resilient, durable health systems, protect people and advance mutually beneficial relationships,” said Rabia M. Qureshi, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Freetown.
The support will also complement Sierra Leone’s progressive greater domestic health financing investment particularly in the areas of recruitmenting frontline health workers, including laboratory staff, and community health workers into the national payroll among other priority areas.
