Continuing this decisive week for community health in the ECOWAS region, Health Experts are meeting from 5 to 6 May 2025 in the city of Praia, Cabo Verde, on the occasion of the second official session of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The primary objective of this meeting is to provide technical support and expert advice to the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in accordance with its mission: to attain the highest possible level of health service provision and protection for the populations of the sub-region through the harmonisation of Member States’ policies, the pooling of resources, and cooperation among themselves and with third parties, in order to find collective and strategic solutions to the sub-region’s health challenges.
Dr Kamil SHIROTIRE, Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics of Nigeria, stated that the experts are expected to provide clear guidance on regional health priorities and strategies, particularly to: (1) strengthen national health systems, (2) support efforts in the prevention, control, and response to epidemics and emerging threats, (3) promote the harmonisation of health policies and standards among countries in the region, (4) facilitate mutual learning of best practices in public health, and (5) monitor the implementation of regional programmes and initiatives.
In his opening address, the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. AÏSSI, emphasised that continued progress and the ability to tackle regional health challenges rely heavily on the contributions of various stakeholders. He also warned of the worrying trend of increasing epidemic outbreaks in the region. In 2024 alone, sixty-seven (67) new outbreaks were reported in twelve countries — a significant increase compared to previous years. Despite progress in surveillance and diagnosis, he called for an urgent reassessment of health systems, with a particular focus on strengthening primary care and community health, in line with the founding principles of the historic Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978.
Health Experts continue to play a central role in shaping the ECOWAS health agenda, by providing the technical expertise required to guide the strategic decisions of the Ministers of Health. Through collaborative dialogue and targeted recommendations, they actively contribute to building a healthier, more integrated region with greater equity in access to healthcare services.