Sierra Leone Sets Out Health Priorities at WHO Africa Regional Meeting

Sierra Leone is taking part in the 76th Session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa, underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as countries discuss regional health priorities, investment and policy.

The country’s Ministry of Health team is being led by Dr. Austin Demby. Its participation provides an opportunity to share Sierra Leone’s experience, learn from other African countries and contribute to discussions on approaches that can be adapted to national health systems.

Focus on national health priorities

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health said the country’s agenda remains focused on strengthening the foundations of its health system.

“Our national priorities remain clear and focused,” the minister said, identifying workforce development and retention, sustainable financing for universal health coverage, regulation of medicines and medical products, emergency response capacity, health data systems and early childhood development as key areas.

The Ministry of Health also continues to invest strategically in primary health care, disease surveillance, disease prevention and control, emergency preparedness and response, and maternal and child health care.

These priorities place Sierra Leone’s domestic health-system goals within wider regional conversations about resilience, financing and service delivery.

Regional decisions and cooperation

The Regional Committee brings African countries together to exchange experience, develop strategic partnerships and identify practical solutions for their national contexts. The high-level engagement has highlighted African ownership, regional solidarity, stronger investment and practical action.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie called for greater cooperation and sustained investment in resilient health systems in his opening statement.

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said decisions made during the session would shape health policies, guide healthcare investments and affect future generations.

The Regional Committee is the WHO’s highest decision-making body in Africa. What is agreed in Addis Ababa is expected to influence health policy, financing and investment across the continent.

For Sierra Leone, the meeting offers a platform to present its priorities while engaging with broader regional efforts to strengthen health systems and improve preparedness. The source material does not specify particular agreements or resolutions adopted during the session.