By Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, alongside H.E. Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, participated in the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Held annually by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the WHO, bringing together Member States to deliberate on critical global health priorities and policies.
This year’s Assembly, held under the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” focused on collective global action to address emerging health challenges, including sustainable financing for WHO and strengthening global health systems.
The high-level segment featured statements from the President of the Health Assembly, Heads of State, special guests including President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and the presentation of the WHO Director-General’s Health Awards to four distinguished recipients.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlighted WHO’s key priorities, including strengthening global health governance, advancing negotiations on the pandemic treaty, and addressing urgent funding needs. He urged Member States to use the Assembly to advance equitable access to medical countermeasures and finalize key multilateral agreements essential for building a healthier and more peaceful world.
Sierra Leone continues to play an active role within the WHO, particularly in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The country’s National Health Sector Strategic Plan (2026–2030) prioritizes UHC, health security, and innovative evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality, HIV, malnutrition, and communicable diseases.
The country has also received international recognition for its resilience and leadership during the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other public health emergencies.
Notably, Sierra Leone was today elected as a member of the General Committee of the Assembly, the steering body responsible for guiding and coordinating the work of WHO Member States during the Assembly proceedings.
President Julius Maada Bio’s transformative health reforms continue to emphasize equitable access to quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of location or background.
