By Abass Mahmoud Sillah Jr
Freetown, Sierra Leone The Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Planning, Komba Momoh, has underscored the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening health systems across West Africa during the 26th Annual Meeting of the West African Health Organization Financial Support Steering Committee. Delivering a statement on behalf of the Resident Representative, Ambassador John Azuma, who was unavoidably absent, Momoh conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency, the President of the Sierra Leone. He also welcomed distinguished participants, including honourable parliamentarians, ECOWAS ambassadors, and members of the Steering Committee.
The high-level meeting, hosted in Freetown, brought together 12 Steering Committee members from across the ECOWAS region, all united in a shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery and enhancing the well-being of citizens. “We are deeply honoured to host this important gathering,” Momoh stated, noting that the meeting provides a vital platform for strengthening coordination, accountability, and oversight in the management of financial support to member states. He commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for providing excellent logistical support and ensuring a peaceful and conducive environment for the event.
From the airport reception to transportation across the sea and the overall security arrangements, Momoh highlighted the country’s hospitality and organization. “I sincerely hope that, in addition to engaging in productive deliberations, our guests will also take time to experience the warmth, culture, and hospitality of the Sierra Leonean people,” he added. Momoh emphasized that the meeting comes at a critical time, as the Steering Committee—established in May 2024—continues to build a robust framework for improved governance and financial management within the West African Health Organization.
He noted that, under the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and WAHO, the committee has made significant strides in strengthening oversight mechanisms, enhancing coordination among member states, and improving accountability in the utilization of financial resources. In Sierra Leone, he explained, WAHO’s financial support has translated into strengthened collaboration among national stakeholders through regular Steering Committee engagements. These efforts have improved financial reporting systems and enhanced the tracking of programme implementation.
Highlighting key achievements, Momoh pointed out that WAHO-supported initiatives have contributed significantly to critical health interventions, including maternal and child health, disease surveillance, and workforce development. “Notably, we have recorded measurable progress in maternal health outcomes, alongside improvements in emergency preparedness and response systems,” he said. He described these gains as a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through coordinated regional action, effective governance, and sustained investment in the health sector.
However, Momoh cautioned that the meeting should not only serve as a platform to celebrate achievements but also as an opportunity to reflect on existing challenges and identify practical solutions to further strengthen health systems across the region. “The task before us remains significant. We must continue to deepen collaboration, ensure efficient use of resources, and build resilient health systems capable of responding to emerging threats,” he concluded. The meeting is expected to feature a series of technical sessions, policy discussions, and strategic reviews aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of WAHO’s financial support mechanisms across ECOWAS member states.
