A total of NLe1.5 billion has been allocated for the health sector in fiscal 2025. This lion share accounts for about 9 percent of total primary expenditures.

This substantial allocation highlights the government's intent to prioritize health in areas where access to quality healthcare services is crucial for sustainable development. Among the key highlights of the recurrent expenditure for the health sector, the Minister detailed an allocation of ‘NLe131.7 million’ from the recurrent budget to the Ministry of Health. Significant portions of healthcare is strategically distributed to cover essential services and operational expenses, which include:

- Tertiary Hospitals and Ambulance Services: NLe41.2 million.

- Primary Health Services: NLe16.1 million.

- Reproductive and Child Health Services: NLe10.9 million.

- National Medical Supplies Agency: NLe64.4 million (of which NLe42.2 million is earmarked for the procurement of free healthcare drugs).

- National Public Health Agency: NLe9.0 million.

- Health Service Commission: NLe6.5 million.

- Transfers to Local Councils for Devolved Health Functions: NLe61.8 million

Furthermore, a significant segment of the budget goes toward the remuneration of health workers, with an apportionment of ‘NLe1.0 billion’ designated for wages and salaries for health personnel, in addition to ‘NLe56.2 million’ for the salaries of staff at allied health agencies. This underscores the government's recognition of the importance of human capital in the health sector, particularly in enhancing service delivery and maintaining healthcare quality.

The government is also making notable capital investments to address the infrastructure challenges plaguing the health sector. From the domestic capital budget, a total of ‘NLe30 million’ has been allocated to the Ministry of Health, which will fund crucial projects aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities:

- Construction of a Cancer and Diagnostic Medical Centre: NLe20 million

- Rehabilitation and Expansion of District Hospitals: NLe10 million

These capital expenditures signify a proactive approach to strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, addressing disparity in service delivery, and enhancing access to specialized medical services. To augment domestic financing efforts, development partners are stepping in with significant contributions. The Minister elaborated that ‘NLe388.5 million’ will be disbursed by various partners, including the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), BADEA, Kuwaiti Fund, and Global Fund. These funds will support diverse projects in the health sector, including the construction of a Pharma Grade Warehouse—another critical need in bolstering pharmaceutical management and supply chains within Sierra Leone.

Additionally, the government is backing these initiatives with ‘NLe72 million’ as a counterpart contribution for donor-funded projects in the health sector, further solidifying collaborative efforts to enhance health outcomes.

The government’s strategy encompasses both recurrent and capital expenditures, reinforcing its commitment to improve healthcare services through increased funding for essential services and infrastructure development. With ongoing support from international partners alongside domestic investments, MTNDP 2024-2030 objectives outlined will yield the desired impact on public health.