By Marilyn King
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Sierra Leone (AHFSL), in partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), on Wednesday, 10th June 2026, launched the “Freedom From Debt” campaign in Sierra Leone.
The event took place at the Family Kingdom in Freetown and forms part of a national and global initiative advocating for debt justice, fiscal accountability, and sustainable public financing.
Speaking at the launch, AHF’s Advocacy and Prevention Manager, Madam Esther, highlighted that globally, 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on debt interest payments than on health or education. She further noted that more than 45 countries allocate more funding to debt servicing than to healthcare.
She explained that the “Freedom From Debt” campaign reframes sovereign debt as a human rights issue, emphasizing that nations should not be forced to choose between paying creditors and protecting the lives of their citizens.
Madam Esther also outlined Sierra Leone’s debt situation, noting that as of 2025, the country’s total public debt stock stands at NLe 62.7 billion (US$2.61 billion). External debt accounts for NLe 42.9 billion (US$1.79 billion), while the domestic debt-to-GDP ratio remains elevated at 39.8%.
She warned that this growing burden threatens fiscal sustainability, service delivery, and long-term development outcomes. However, she clarified that the campaign is not against borrowing, but rather calls for social justice, equity, responsible borrowing, transparency, accountability, and prudent debt management.
She stressed the need for Parliament to scrutinize borrowing proposals and for citizens to be actively engaged in debt-related decisions. She also advocated for a 1% global AI capital levy dedicated to debt relief and essential public goods such as vaccines, food, and infrastructure.
In conclusion, she stated that Sierra Leone’s debt challenge is both a fiscal and developmental concern, and that the “Freedom From Debt” campaign serves as a collective call—both nationally and globally—for debt justice, fiscal accountability, and sustainable financing.
Delivering a press statement, the Medical Manager of AHF Sierra Leone, Dr. Ifeany Egeonu, recalled that Sierra Leone was among the hardest-hit countries during the Ebola outbreak, recording nearly 9,000 infections and close to 4,000 deaths between 2014 and 2016. He noted that the outbreak severely weakened the country’s health system and disrupted the economy.
He added that experiences with COVID-19 and recent regional concerns around Mpox have further reinforced the importance of resilient health systems, rapid emergency coordination, and strong community trust in responding to public health threats.
Dr. Egeonu stated that AHF Sierra Leone is honored to have been part of the country’s health journey through capacity building of healthcare workers and communities, provision of emergency supplies, and infection prevention and control (IPC) support, as well as infrastructural development of health facilities without interruption of services.
He commended the Government of Sierra Leone, Civil Society Organizations, community groups, and all partners present at the launch for their dedication to safeguarding public health.
“As AHF Sierra Leone, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote health empowerment and sustainable public health systems. Together, let us build stronger, healthier, and pandemic-ready communities across Sierra Leone,” he said.
