Health ministers from ECOWAS member states have concluded their 27th Ordinary Session in Freetown, adopting key regional health policies aimed at improving disease control and healthcare delivery across West Africa.
The meeting, held from 23 to 25 April 2026, ended with the endorsement of a Regional Framework for Malaria Elimination, designed to unify efforts to tackle malaria across member states.
Ministers also adopted the Freetown Charter, which seeks to accelerate reductions in maternal, newborn and child mortality through strengthened coordination and political commitment at regional level.
In a statement published on Tuesday via official ECOWAS platforms, ministers also reiterated their commitment to sustainable health financing amid shrinking external donor support.
The Assembly reviewed the 2025 Annual Report of the West African Health Organization, which highlighted progress in regional health security but also noted persistent operational challenges.
These challenges include inefficiencies in programme implementation and gaps in delivering services to vulnerable communities across the region.
Ministers called for improved accountability mechanisms to track health spending and ensure that investments lead to tangible improvements in healthcare systems. They also emphasised the importance of stronger domestic funding for health programmes.
The session further underscored the urgency of coordinated regional action on malaria and broader efforts to build more resilient health systems capable of withstanding future shocks.
The meeting ended with the adoption of a final report and communiqué, presented by a representative of Ghana’s Ministry of Health, detailing agreed decisions and strategic priorities for member states.
