On May 28, 2024, the Minister of Health for Sierra Leone, Dr. Austin Demby, along with Deputy Minister of Health 1, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, and His Excellency Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, participated in the opening of the Seventy-Seventh World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the principal decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). It convenes annually with the participation of all WHO Member States to deliberate on a specific health agenda that shapes the organization’s policies, prepared by the Executive Board. This year’s assembly, themed “All for Health, Health for All,” focused on global strategies including a pandemic agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations, alongside discussions on sustainable financing for the WHO.

During the high-level segment of the Assembly, various dignitaries delivered statements. These included the elected Health Assembly President, the United Nations Secretary-General, and several Heads of State and special guests. Additionally, the Director-General’s Health Awards were presented to Professor Katalin Kariko and Professor Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking scientific work that led to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, addressed the assembly, outlining WHO’s five priorities for the future: health development, health security, health systems, evidence, and convening. He urged Member States to adopt the agenda set forth, emphasizing the critical importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the strengthening of primary healthcare systems. Dr. Tedros highlighted the necessity of building a healthy world through multilateral cooperation.

Sierra Leone, as an active member of WHO, is engaging constructively with other Member States on UHC. The country’s new National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2021-2025 reflects the commitment of Sierra Leone’s health professionals to advancing health and wellness. This strategic plan focuses on reducing maternal and child mortality, and combating diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, HIV, and malnutrition.

Sierra Leone has garnered commendations from national and international health organizations for its resilience during health crises, including the Ebola virus disease and the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s ability to manage these outbreaks has demonstrated its capacity to handle public health emergencies effectively.

In his numerous addresses, President Julius Maada Bio has consistently reiterated that good healthcare is a fundamental right for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. He advocates for accessible healthcare for everyone, whether they live in rural villages or urban centers, and regardless of their age, wealth, or abilities.

The participation of Sierra Leone’s health officials at the World Health Assembly underscores the nation's commitment to global health initiatives and its proactive role in international health discourse. Through active engagement and collaboration, Sierra Leone aims to contribute to and benefit from the collective efforts to achieve health for all.