By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Sierra Leone secured a seat on the steering committee of the World Health Organization’s top decision-making forum as Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby joined global counterparts for the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Demby attended alongside Lansana Gberie, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva. The week-long assembly, convened annually by the WHO, brings health ministers and delegates from 194 member states to set global health policy.
This year’s gathering runs under the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” with discussions focused on sustainable financing for the WHO, pandemic preparedness, and strengthening health systems worldwide.
The opening session featured addresses from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Tedros outlined priorities including advancing negotiations on a pandemic treaty, improving global health governance, and closing funding gaps. He called on member states to ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures.
In a notable development for Freetown, Sierra Leone was elected to the Assembly’s General Committee, the body responsible for organizing and coordinating proceedings. The appointment underscores the country’s growing influence in global health diplomacy.
Sierra Leone’s participation builds on its recent record in advancing Universal Health Coverage through the National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2026–2030. The plan targets reductions in maternal and child mortality, HIV, malnutrition, and communicable diseases, while bolstering health security.
The country has drawn international recognition for its response to the Ebola outbreak, COVID-19, and other public health emergencies. President Julius Maada Bio’s administration has prioritized expanding equitable access to quality healthcare across urban and rural areas.
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