Health Minister Leads High-Level Global Health Financing Meeting in Morocco
Sahid Bangura Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, has chaired a high-level meeting of the Global Financing Facility (GFF) Ministerial Network in Rabat, Morocco, as part of efforts to strengthen global health financing and advance the priorities of developing countries.
The meeting, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, was chaired by Dr Demby in his capacity as Chairman of the GFF Ministerial Network, which brings together health ministers from partner countries to coordinate positions and advocate for sustainable financing of national health systems.
The ministerial discussions focused on growing pressure on development assistance, declining financing opportunities and the need for countries to develop stronger and more sustainable domestic health systems. The platform also provides African countries with an opportunity to share experiences and advocate for fairer access to global health financing.
Under Dr Demby’s leadership, the Network is working to ensure that the priorities of partner countries, including Sierra Leone, are adequately represented in international health financing discussions. Particular attention is being given to improving healthcare delivery for women, children and adolescents.
The meeting also marked the beginning of a wider series of GFF engagements in Rabat, including the 22nd Investors Group Meeting scheduled for November 3–4, 2026. The engagements are expected to strengthen cooperation among governments, development partners and other stakeholders in advancing national health priorities.
Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to country-led health programmes and equitable, sustainable healthcare systems, with the Ministry of Health emphasising the importance of ensuring that global financing decisions translate into improved healthcare services and better health outcomes for citizens.
