By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation is set to launch an innovative initiative called “Health Osusu,” designed to help citizens save money for their healthcare needs. Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, unveiled the details during the second edition of the Presidential Town Hall 2025 held in Kenema.
Dr. Demby emphasized the government’s goal to reduce its reliance on donor funding for healthcare services. With many development partners now unable to provide continued financial support, the Ministry is exploring ways to generate its own funds. He noted that donor contributions often come with specific conditions regarding who to assist and what to fund, which can limit the country’s autonomy over its health system.
The “Health Osusu” plan will encourage citizens to save small amounts regularly, managed by the government. When individuals fall ill, the accumulated funds will be used to cover their medical expenses. Dr. Demby explained that while not everyone falls sick simultaneously, this collective savings approach can offer vital financial support to those in need.
In addition, the Minister outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services by better utilizing available resources. He described the initiative as a way to transform the challenge of decreased donor funding into an opportunity for Sierra Leone to take greater control of its healthcare system.
The “Health Osusu” initiative aims to provide citizens with more control and security in managing their healthcare costs in the future.
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