Following the commencement of the second statutory meeting of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS, organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, experts have called for a strengthened malaria elimination framework, the operationalisation of the regional community health policy, and the development and adoption of the Freetown Charter.

The meeting represents a critical stage in the regional health coordination process, aimed at reviewing health performance across member states, aligning strategies and formulating recommendations to guide ministerial decision-making, particularly on malaria elimination and broader health system strengthening.

Participants are also expected to share experiences and develop recommendations on key strategic issues, including epidemic surveillance, preparedness and response, the regional HIV/AIDS dialogue, and initiatives to combat Lassa fever.

At the opening session, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof Charles Senesie, underscored the urgency of intensifying efforts against malaria, describing it as a persistent public health threat across the continent. He urged participants to use the platform to strengthen cooperation and build a solid foundation for coordinated regional action.

Also speaking, the Director-General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Aïssi, said the theme of the Assembly, “Advancing malaria elimination through an integrated regional strategy,” reflects both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of collective action.

He noted that despite progress, malaria continues to place a heavy burden on health systems, economies and vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women.

Aïssi stressed that malaria elimination in West Africa cannot be achieved through isolated national efforts but requires coordinated and integrated regional action.

He highlighted the need for harmonised strategies across countries, continuity of cross-border interventions, integrated epidemiological surveillance, and sustained, well-coordinated investment, combined with synchronised implementation over time.

The WAHO Director-General also drew attention to ongoing health challenges in the region, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to public health.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations would yield concrete and measurable commitments aligned with the shared goal of malaria elimination in the sub-region.