On the sidelines of the 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa (RC75), Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and Chairman of the Global Financing Facility (GFF) Ministerial Network, H.E. Dr. Austin Demby, convened a high-level breakfast meeting with African Health Ministers at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
The gathering welcomed new members to the GFF-supported Ministerial Network, a platform designed to enable ministers to exchange experiences, strengthen peer support, and shape the future of GFF initiatives. Discussions focused on building collective leadership to improve health outcomes for women, children, and adolescents, particularly as the GFF finalizes its 2026–2030 strategy.
Key topics included:
- Exchanging insights to guide GFF’s strategic priorities amid evolving global health financing challenges.
- Updates from consultations across 33 partner countries and the World Health Assembly, highlighting country ownership, alignment of external financing, and domestic resource mobilization.
- Disruption analyses to help countries adapt to potential funding cuts while safeguarding essential health services.
Dr. Demby emphasized the importance of ministerial input in shaping GFF policies, stating, “Our collective voice is essential to safeguard progress and ensure women, children, and adolescents are not left behind.” The session reaffirmed ministers’ commitment to mobilizing resources, championing the GFF, and strengthening resilience toward universal health coverage.
During the RC75 opening in Lusaka, formally launched by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Dr. Demby expressed gratitude to the Government of Zambia and WHO for hosting the session, describing it as a critical platform for accelerating universal health coverage, enhancing resilience against health emergencies, and promoting healthier societies across Africa.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s recent health achievements, Dr. Demby pointed to the country’s effective Mpox response as evidence of African resilience and international collaboration. He noted substantial progress in maternal and child health, with maternal mortality decreasing from 1,165 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 354 in 2023, and child mortality halving since 2001.
These gains, he explained, are supported by innovations such as the Maternal Health Emergency Situation Room and the PreSTrack platform, which enable real-time pregnancy monitoring and rapid interventions. Sierra Leone is also expanding non-communicable disease care under PEN-Plus, establishing a National Cancer Registry, rolling out a Mental Health Strategic Plan, and implementing rehabilitation programs to address substance abuse, including “Kush.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Demby reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to tackling persistent health challenges, including malaria, antimicrobial resistance, and sustainable health financing. He highlighted the Sierra Leone Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC) Bill as a key initiative to unify health financing and strengthen strategic purchasing as a foundation for universal health coverage.
“These achievements are more than numbers; they represent lives saved and futures restored,” Dr. Demby declared, underscoring the government’s dedication to building a stronger, equitable health system for all Sierra Leoneans.
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