Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its position as a vocal and proactive advocate for global health equity during the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland. The country’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, on Wednesday 21 May 2025 delivered a powerful address during a high-level session themed: “One World for Health,” highlighting Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to shared health responsibility, equity and inclusive progress.

In front of an audience of global health leaders and policymakers, Dr. Austin Demby emphasized that the concept of “One World for Health” is more than a theme; it is a lived experience for countries like Sierra Leone. “Health security must be built on a foundation of shared responsibility, with no nation left behind,” he stated.

Dr. Austin Demby praised the adoption of the new Pandemic Agreement at the Assembly, describing it as a landmark achievement rooted in equity, transparency and accountability. However, he warned that the real challenge lies in its implementation. “The task before us now is execution, ensuring no country or individual is excluded in future health emergencies,” he stressed.

Drawing from recent experiences, the Minister shared how Sierra Leone effectively responded to a recent Mpox outbreak. He credited the resilience of communities and local health structures in containing the disease. “Communities have been at the heart of our response,” he said, underscoring the importance of grassroots engagement in health security.

On the issue of health financing, Dr. Austin Demby outlined Sierra Leone’s efforts to increase domestic resource mobilization and improve efficiency. He pointed to innovative models like debt swaps, while reiterating that international solidarity remains crucial. “Sustainable progress requires continued partnerships,” he noted.

Highlighting the country’s health achievements in recent years, Dr. Austin Demby reported that:

- Maternal mortality has dropped by two-thirds;


- Child mortality has been halved;


- Special Care Baby Units now operate in 80% of districts, with an 87% survival rate;


- New vaccines for malaria and HPV have been introduced, significantly broadening access to lifesaving care.

“These achievements show what is possible when clear priorities, strong systems and collaborative support converge,” he concluded.

In a related high-level side event co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Buffett Foundation, Dr. Austin Demby spotlighted Sierra Leone’s transformative approach to healthcare delivery. The event, chaired by WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, featured Sierra Leone’s journey from vertical disease response models to an integrated, life-stage health system centered around individuals.

One of the flagship innovations presented was the Pregnancy App, which registers and monitors pregnant women across the country. Complementing this digital tool is the newly launched Emergency Situation Room, which investigates every maternal and child death in health facilities nationwide.

“These systems have enabled us to make timely interventions and drastically reduce maternal mortality now at 343 per 100,000 live births,” Dr. Austin Demby revealed, drawing applause from attendees. “It’s a remarkable step forward, but we are aiming even higher.”

Despite allocating 11.6% of its GDP to healthcare, Dr. Austin Demby noted that Sierra Leone’s small economy limits the impact of this investment. He therefore called on development partners to continue supporting health system strengthening, especially in supply chains and universal healthcare access.

He also announced the upcoming launch of SLeSHi, Sierra Leone’s National Health Insurance Scheme, designed to reduce out-of-pocket spending and promote equity in service access.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, Dr. Austin Demby met with Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on Tuesday, 20 May. The meeting focused on ongoing collaborations in public health and immunization efforts.

Dr. Austin Demby extended gratitude to Dr. Sania Nishtar for her recent visit to Sierra Leone during African Vaccination Week and for her meeting with President Julius Maada Bio. He praised Gavi’s longstanding support and swift assistance during the recent Mpox outbreak.

He detailed the Government’s coordinated response, including the shift from home-based to facility-based treatment and the establishment of specialized Mpox centers. Efforts are also underway, he said, to secure vaccines for the outbreak with partner support.

Dr. Sania Nishtar, in turn, commended Sierra Leone’s rapid response and reaffirmed Gavi’s commitment to supporting the country’s immunization priorities. She confirmed that Gavi is working closely with the Ministry of Health to secure additional Mpox vaccines.

Dr. Austin Demby was joined at the meeting by Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.

While the World Health Assembly continues until 27 May, Sierra Leone’s delegation remains actively engaged in shaping a future where health is a universal human right; equitable, inclusive and accessible to all. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/health-minister-champions-health-equity-innovation-at-world-health-assembly-in-geneva/