Sierra Leone has hosted a high-level meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Health Ministers, focusing on a new regional strategy to eliminate malaria across West Africa.
The session brought together health ministers from member states, government officials, development partners, and regional health experts to strengthen cooperation and coordinate efforts against malaria.
President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, highlighted the importance of the meeting as a platform for decisive regional action. He was represented by Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh during the opening on Saturday.
The two-day meeting, organised by the West African Health Organisation in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, is held under the theme “Advancing Malaria Elimination Through an Integrated Regional Strategy.”
In his welcome address, Health Minister Austin Demby said the region must renew its commitment to making health a key driver of sustainable development. He warned that progress on malaria has slowed since 2015, with reduced international funding and the growing impact of climate change affecting transmission.
Mr Demby called for more local investment, innovation, and stronger health systems that can respond effectively to public health challenges.
President Bio also stressed that quality healthcare remains a key measure of how well governments serve their people. He urged member states to focus on practical and measurable results, using data and innovation to move from malaria control to full elimination.
Organisers say the meeting aims to strengthen collective action and deliver a coordinated response to one of the region’s most serious public health challenges.
