The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), has officially announced, at a joint Press Conference, the hosting of the 27th Ordinary Session of the 27th Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS, scheduled to take place in Freetown from 20 to 25 April 2026.*
Speaking at the Press Conference, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, described the event as “a national honour” and a clear demonstration of the country’s leadership in addressing public health challenges, particularly in the fight against malaria, one of the leading causes of illness and death in the region.
“For the first time in 15 years, Sierra Leone will host this important gathering, bringing together ministers, technical experts and partners with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and addressing critical health challenges”, Dr Demby proudly stated.
The Minister also highlighted the development of the Freetown Charter, focused on technology-enabled and data-driven solutions to accelerate the reduction of maternal and infant mortality. The Charter is expected to be one of the key outcomes of the Assembly.
In his remarks, the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. Aïssi, emphasised that the Assembly represents one of the highest political decision-making platforms on health in West Africa, offering Member States a strategic opportunity to harmonise policies, strengthen commitments and take concrete action to improve population health.
He further stressed that malaria elimination, the central theme of this year’s session, requires a collective, coordinated and sustainable response grounded in regional solidarity, noting that diseases do not know borders. He also underscored the importance of mobilising domestic resources and promoting innovative approaches to ensure lasting impact.