ECOWAS calls for stronger regional strategy to eliminate malaria

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called Sunday for strengthening regional strategies to completely eliminate malaria.

The bloc held its 27th Ordinary Meeting of Health Ministers in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, as part of efforts to combat the disease in the region.

The two-day high-level meeting brought together health ministers, government representatives, technical and financial partners, and regional health experts.

In a message read at the opening, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio said the meeting aims to enhance collective action against one of the region’s most pressing public health challenges.

He stressed the need for stronger, data-driven and innovative health systems to transition from malaria control to full elimination.

Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Austin Demby said the political will to place health at the center of sustainable development has strengthened.

He noted that progress in the global fight against malaria has slowed since 2015, citing declining external funding and the impact of climate change on the disease’s spread.

Demby called for increased local investment, innovative solutions and resilient health systems to improve response capacity across the region.