Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, chaired the Global Financing Facility (GFF) Ministerial Network Meeting held on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where health ministers from eighteen countries gathered to discuss strategies for accelerating progress in women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health.
The high-level roundtable focused on advancing Health Sustainable Development Goals and provided an opportunity for Dr. Demby, who currently serves as Chair of the GFF Ministerial Network, to highlight Sierra Leone’s progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, while also strengthening efforts against malaria, HIV, diarrhea, malnutrition, and other communicable diseases.
The Global Financing Facility, a country-led partnership hosted by the World Bank, supports countries in improving healthcare systems and advancing the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents through financing and policy reforms.
Addressing fellow ministers during the meeting, Dr. Demby stressed the importance of global solidarity in strengthening healthcare systems.
“Health security must be built on a foundation of shared responsibility, with no nation left behind,” he stated.
The Health Minister outlined key achievements recorded by Sierra Leone under the leadership of Julius Maada Bio, including the expansion of healthcare access through a nationwide network of more than 1,600 health facilities supported by legislative and policy reforms such as the Public Health Act 2023 and other national health strategies.
He noted that the government’s Free Health Care Initiative continues to play a critical role in providing essential medical services to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five across the country.
Dr. Demby further explained that the recruitment and deployment of thousands of healthcare workers, including community health workers serving remote communities, has significantly strengthened healthcare delivery nationwide.
“Progress has been recorded in maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. Maternal mortality has declined substantially, reflecting expanded access to skilled care and strengthened reproductive health interventions,” he told participants at the meeting.
According to him, adolescent-friendly health services have also been expanded through schools and dedicated service centres, while improved access to contraceptives has contributed to better sexual and reproductive health outcomes throughout Sierra Leone.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to global health priorities, Dr. Demby used the international platform to emphasize the country’s dedication to promoting and protecting the rights of women and children as part of efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The GFF Ministerial Network Meeting remains an important platform for health ministers to coordinate policies, exchange experiences, and mobilise political support toward meeting global health targets. Sierra Leone’s leadership role within the network is seen as a reflection of the country’s growing influence in shaping international health policy discussions focused on vulnerable populations.
