Bio Commends Health Ministry’s ECOWAS Summit Medical Planning

President Julius Maada Bio has commended Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health for its medical preparedness and healthcare coordination during the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit hosted in Freetown and Lungi.

The ministry’s preparations included emergency response training, infection prevention and control measures, ambulance services, the deployment of personnel and emergency teams, and the pre-positioning of medicines and other medical supplies.

Medical teams were stationed at summit venues, official hotels, the Freetown International Airport in Lungi and other strategic locations to provide immediate medical care. The Ministry of Health also worked with security agencies and other emergency response institutions as part of the healthcare arrangements.

President praises national service

President Bio described the ministry’s work as an important element of Sierra Leone’s hosting of the regional summit. He said the ministry had demonstrated professionalism, commitment, preparedness and effective coordination.

“The Ministry of Health has once again demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and commitment to national service,” President Bio said.

He added that the ministry’s planning and response ensured that heads of state, delegates and guests had access to medical support during the summit.

“Your meticulous planning, rapid response, and dedication ensured that every Head of State, delegate, and guest received quality medical support throughout the summit,” he said, adding that the performance strengthened Sierra Leone’s reputation for hosting major international events.

President Bio linked the effort to the government’s investment in healthcare and emergency preparedness. He said the achievement reflected a commitment to building a resilient health sector able to respond to national and international demands.

He also recognized the contribution of healthcare workers, emergency responders and support staff involved in the preparations and summit operations.

Minister recognizes health personnel

Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby thanked the healthcare professionals and support teams who worked before and throughout the summit. He said the ministry’s objective was to ensure timely, safe and quality healthcare services for participants.

“This recognition belongs to every doctor, nurse, ambulance crew, laboratory specialist, public health officer, emergency responder, and support staff who served with professionalism and dedication,” Demby said.

Demby presented Ibrahim Foday-Musa, the Director of Hospitals and Ambulance Services, with a Special Award of Recognition titled “Hero of the Week.” The award recognized Foday-Musa’s leadership in coordinating the ministry’s operations during the summit.

The minister said the medical response demonstrated progress in Sierra Leone’s emergency preparedness and health systems. He said the ministry would build on those gains while remaining ready to support future international engagements.

Summit hosted in Freetown and Lungi

Sierra Leone hosted the 69th ECOWAS summit in Freetown and Lungi, including at the newly completed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center in Lungi. The gathering was described as a platform for discussions on security, economic integration, democratic governance and sustainable development.

The Ministry of Health’s recognition comes from government officials’ assessment of the preparations and coordination. The information available does not specify whether medical emergencies occurred during the summit or provide the number of people treated.