Foday Kamara, a respected local figure in Babon, Sierra Leone, had long battled the debilitating effects of malaria; fever, chills and sleepless nights that drained his energy and limited his ability to support his community.

He later received the malaria vaccine through the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society’s (SLRCS) immunisation project, funded by the Gavi CSO fund manager mechanism. The vaccination offered him an additional layer of protection and reassurance.

“Not only did I feel revitalised, but I was also able to sleep peacefully without any discomfort.”

From illness to advocacy: Foday Kamara’s journey with the malaria vaccine

In the southern Sierra Leonean community of Babong, near Bo City, hope is growing.

Foday Kamara, a respected local figure, had long battled the debilitating effects of malaria: fever, chills and sleepless nights that drained his energy and limited his ability to support his community.

That began to shift when Foday received the malaria vaccine through the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society’s (SLRCS) immunisation project, funded through the Gavi CSO fund manager mechanism. While the vaccine doesn’t treat existing infections, it helps protect against future bouts of the disease, offering individuals like Foday greater peace of mind.

“Not only did I feel revitalised, but I was also able to sleep peacefully without any discomfort,” Foday shared. “I feel truly fortunate to have been able to receive it."

His recovery is more than personal. It’s a reflection of growing momentum in Babong. Yet Foday remains mindful of the ongoing challenges: 

“There are challenges, such as the limited supply of vaccines compared to the number of people who need them. We are hoping the [Sierra Leone] Red Cross will advocate on our behalf, so that those who were left out can also receive the malaria vaccine.”

Foday’s experience echoes through communities, where the SLRCS immunisation programme is improving health outcomes, strengthening public health systems and deepening local engagement.

Airlot Jimmy, the District Operations Officer of the Tonkolili District Health Management Team, noted the broader impact: “The project with the Sierra Leone Red Cross has greatly assisted the district’s immunisation service delivery. It has strengthened our outreach services.”

The programme also combats misinformation through sensitisation workshops, mobile cinema sessions and radio discussions. Hearing directly from recipients like Foday helps build trust. “I did not experience any adverse effects after taking the vaccine,” Foday confirms, countering rumours that circulated within the community.

The Gavi project ‘Sierra Leone Integrated Routine Immunisation: Find Everyone Everywhere’, funded through the CSO fund manager mechanism, is active in five districts across Sierra Leone – Bombali, Kambia, Karene, Port Loko and Tokololi – and runs until December 2025.