Sierra Leone’s Patrick Lansana Elected Vice President of ECOWAS RCCE Network
Sia Lucy Kannah Sierra Leone has strengthened its leadership role in regional public health communication, as Patrick Habsil Lansana was elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network.
He was elected alongside a new Executive that will steer the regional network’s efforts to strengthen collaboration on Risk Communication and Community Engagement across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The newly elected Executive comprises: Da Silva Estevão of Guinea-Bissau as President, Patrick Lansana of Sierra Leone as Vice President, Paul Allé Kouadio of Côte d’Ivoire as Secretary General, Priscile Kpogbeme of Benin as First Deputy Secretary General and Hannatu Bello of Nigeria as Second Deputy Secretary General.
Speaking after his election, Mr Lansana expressed gratitude to colleagues across the region for the confidence reposed in him.
“I am truly honoured by your confidence. This is not a personal achievement, but a shared responsibility. I look forward to working with all of you in the spirit of collaboration, learning and service as we strengthen Risk Communication and Community Engagement across our region,” he said.
He called for greater collaboration among member states to build and sustain community trust for healthier, safer and more resilient communities across West Africa.
The ECOWAS RCCE Network brings together communication and community engagement professionals from member states to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and enhance coordinated responses to public health emergencies and other cross-border health challenges.
Finally, the election reflects ECOWAS’ continued commitment to strengthening regional coordination in Risk Communication and Community Engagement, a critical pillar of emergency preparedness, disease prevention, health promotion and community resilience.