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The Minister of Health, Austin Demby, has described Sierra Leone’s hosting of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS as both a national honour and a strong demonstration of the country’s leadership in tackling major public health challenges, particularly malaria.
Addressing the media during a press conference, Dr Demby said the week-long assembly underscores Sierra Leone’s growing role in regional health coordination and innovation. He noted that malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the country, making the focus of the gathering especially significant.
“For the first time in 15 years, Sierra Leone is bringing together over 500 delegates, including ministers, technical experts, and development partners, to deliberate on pressing health challenges and strengthen regional cooperation,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted the development of the Freetown Charter, which focuses on technology-enabled and data-driven approaches to reducing maternal and infant mortality. He described the charter as a key outcome of the Assembly and a strategic tool to drive stronger commitment and measurable progress across West Africa.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Director General of the West African Health Organisation, Melchior Aïssi, emphasised that the meeting remains one of ECOWAS’s most important policy platforms for shaping regional health priorities.
Dr Aïssi noted that the commemoration of World Malaria Day during the Assembly further underscores the urgent need for unity and coordinated action to address malaria and other shared health challenges across the region.
