Health experts from ECOWAS Member States are meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 21 to 22 April 2026 for the Health Experts Committee Meeting, the second statutory meeting of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS, organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).
This meeting constitutes a critical stage in the Assembly process and the purpose is to review regional health performance, align strategies and formulate recommendations to guide ministerial decision-making, particularly on malaria elimination and health system strengthening.
At the opening, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health 1, Prof Charles Senesie, underscored the urgency of intensifying efforts in the fight against malaria, describing the disease as a persistent public health threat across the continent. He called on participants to use the meeting to strengthen cooperation and build a solid foundation for coordinated regional action.
Addressing the meeting, the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. Aïssi, emphasised that the Assembly’s theme “Advancing malaria elimination through an integrated regional strategy”, reflects both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of action. He noted that, despite progress, malaria continues to exert a heavy burden on health systems, economies and vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women.
Dr Aïssi stressed that malaria elimination in West Africa will not be achieved through isolated efforts, but rather through coordinated and integrated regional action. In this regard, he highlighted the central role of experts for the harmonisation of strategies across countries, the continuity of interventions beyond borders, integrated epidemiological surveillance, as well as sustainable and well-coordinated investments, combined with synchronised action over time.
Beyond malaria, he also highlighted the persistence of other health challenges in the region, reiterating the importance of a comprehensive approach. He concluded by expressing his hope that discussions over the two days will lead to concrete, measurable commitments aligned with the shared vision of malaria elimination in the sub-region.
Discussions will also focus on the regional malaria elimination framework, the operationalisation of the Regional Community Health Policy, as well as the development and adoption of the Freetown Charter.
Participants will also share experiences and formulate recommendations on strategic issues, including epidemic surveillance, preparedness and response, the regional dialogue on HIV/AIDS, and initiatives to combat Lassa fever.
