Health specialists from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are convening in Freetown for a high-level meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in public health, with particular attention on malaria elimination and building resilient health systems.
The two-day session, held from April 21 to 22, 2026, is part of the second statutory sitting of the 27th Ordinary Assembly of ECOWAS Health Ministers. It is being organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and brings together technical experts from member states.
Participants are reviewing the region’s health performance, aligning strategies, and formulating recommendations to guide ministerial decisions on key public health priorities across West Africa.
Opening the meeting, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health, Charles Senesie, warned that malaria remains a major public health concern in the region. He urged countries to intensify joint efforts and adopt a more coordinated approach to tackling the disease while strengthening national health systems.
WAHO Director General, Melchior Athanase J. C. Aïssi, said the meeting’s theme, “Advancing malaria elimination through an integrated regional strategy”, highlights both the urgency and complexity of the challenge.
He noted that malaria continues to exert pressure on health systems, economies, and vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women. According to him, meaningful progress will depend on collective action rather than isolated national responses.
Dr Aïssi emphasized the need for harmonised policies, cross-border disease surveillance, sustained investment, and coordinated implementation of interventions among member states. He also called for stronger epidemic preparedness and response mechanisms to address emerging health threats in the region.
Beyond malaria, the meeting is addressing broader health concerns, including epidemic surveillance systems, HIV/AIDS coordination, and measures to combat Lassa fever. Experts are also reviewing progress on the Regional Community Health Policy and other regional health initiatives.
A key outcome expected from the meeting is the development of the “Freetown Charter,” a framework intended to guide future collaboration on health priorities within the sub-region.
Organisers say the session will enable participants to share technical expertise and produce practical recommendations to support decision-making at the ministerial level, with the ultimate goal of accelerating malaria elimination and strengthening health systems across West Africa.
