WAHO | OOAS

West African Health Organisation is the @ECOWAS_CEDEAO Specialized Institution responsible for health issues || Organisation Ouest Africaine de la Santé

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

📢 Online Training Opportunity in Community Health!

Applications are now open for the Community-Based Participatory Research Training Scholarship, organised by @OoasWaho in collaboration with the University of Washington.

💻 The training will be conducted entirely ONLINE.

This is an excellent opportunity for health professionals to strengthen their skills in participatory research and contribute to improving health outcomes in their communities.

👩🏽‍⚕️👨🏾‍⚕️ Who can apply?
Health professionals from districts and health centres in @ecowas_cedeao Member States.

📅 Deadline: 11 May 2026
👥 Limited places: 50 participants

👉 Apply now: https://t.co/j5X6RrmYhG

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in community health!

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

How can Africa build stronger, region-led preparedness systems for future epidemic threats?

Join us at the Breakfast Session during #GHS2026 as leading experts reflect on lessons from Lassa fever and explore how West Africa is strengthening regional coordination, vaccine development, manufacturing readiness, and equitable access pathways.

Register: https://t.co/yQdacAG2Ca
📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
📍 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

West Africa’s response to Lassa fever is providing valuable lessons for the future of epidemic preparedness across the continent.

Join our Breakfast Session at #GHS2026 as regional and global experts discuss how investments in trial networks, manufacturing readiness, and coordinated access planning can strengthen Africa’s long-term health security systems.

Register: https://t.co/yQdacAFuMC
📅June 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
📍Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

As epidemic threats continue to evolve, strengthening regional coordination and preparedness systems has become more urgent than ever.

At #GHS2026, we will convene a Breakfast Session to spotlight how West Africa’s experience with Lassa fever is informing regional collaboration on clinical trials, manufacturing pathways, governance, financing, and equitable access strategies.

Register: https://t.co/yQdacAFuMC
📅June 10, 2026
📍Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

As epidemic threats continue to evolve, strengthening regional coordination and preparedness systems has become more urgent than ever.

At #GHS2026, we will convene a Breakfast Session to spotlight how West Africa’s experience with Lassa fever is informing regional collaboration on clinical trials, manufacturing pathways, governance, financing, and equitable access strategies.

Register: https://t.co/yQdacAFuMC
📅June 10, 2026
📍Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

[Nigeria Health Watch @nighealthwatch]

West Africa’s experience with Lassa fever holds critical lessons for the future of regional health security.

Join experts at the #GHS2026 Breakfast Session convened by @OoasWaho to explore how the region is strengthening preparedness, manufacturing, access, and resilience beyond a single disease outbreak.

📅 June 10, 2026
📍 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
⏰ 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Register: https://t.co/JNIlm2BeBp

[Nigeria Health Watch @nighealthwatch]

West Africa’s experience with Lassa fever holds critical lessons for the future of regional health security.

Join experts at the #GHS2026 Breakfast Session convened by @OoasWaho to explore how the region is strengthening preparedness, manufacturing, access, and resilience beyond a single disease outbreak.

📅 June 10, 2026
📍 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
⏰ 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Register: https://t.co/JNIlm2BeBp

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

WAHO Message on the Occasion of the 51st Anniversary of ECOWAS

Theme: BUILDING TODAY, ECOWAS OF THE FUTURE

On the occasion of the celebration of the 51st Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (@ecowas_cedeao) , the West African Health Organisation (@OoasWaho) extends its warm congratulations to the Community Institutions, Member States and the peoples of the region.

For more than five decades, #ECOWAS has embodied a shared vision based on regional integration, solidarity among peoples and the promotion of sustainable development for the benefit of West African citizens.

This year’s theme, “Building Today, ECOWAS of the Future”, reminds us of the importance of collective commitment in building a stronger, more resilient Community that responds to the aspirations of future generations.

As the specialised health institution of #ECOWAS, #WAHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening health systems, promoting regional health security and sustainably improving the well being of populations.

#WAHO remains convinced that cooperation, innovation and regional solidarity are essential pillars for a united, prosperous and healthy West Africa.

Happy celebration of the 51st Anniversary of #ECOWAS to all.

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

WAHO and WHO-AFRO Sign Strategic Memorandum of Understanding to Deepen Regional Health Cooperation

The West African Health Organisation (@OOASWAHO) and the World Health Organization through its Regional Office for Africa (@WHOAFRO), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (#MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration to improve health systems and advance regional health security across West Africa.

The agreement was signed on 22 May 2026, on the margins of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva by Dr @Melchior_AISSI, Director General of @OOASWAHO, and Dr Mohamed Janabi, Regional Director of @WHOAFRO.

The MoU establishes a renewed framework for strategic cooperation between the two institutions in areas of shared priority, reinforcing their longstanding partnership in support of #ECOWAS Member States.
The partnership will focus on strengthening primary health care systems, improving disease surveillance and epidemic preparedness, supporting maternal and child health, promoting local pharmaceutical production, enhancing laboratory systems and health workforce development, and advancing regional health harmonisation initiatives.

Other priority areas of collaboration include antimicrobial resistance surveillance, digital health innovation, implementation of the International Classification of Diseases (#ICD), emergency preparedness and response, and support for centres of excellence and regional public health programmes.

The agreement also provides for the development of joint action plans, technical cooperation, capacity-building programmes, policy coordination, research collaboration, and regular consultation mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of agreed activities.

The MoU will remain in force for an initial period of five years and is expected to further consolidate cooperation between #WAHO and #WHO_AFRO in promoting regional integration, resilient health systems, and sustainable health development across West Africa.

The signing of the agreement reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening collective action and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage, health security, and improved health outcomes for populations across the #ECOWAS region.

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

WAHO Supports The Gambia with Ambulances and Critical Medical Equipment to Strengthen National Health Systems

*The West African Health Organisation (@OoasWaho ), through the African Development Bank (@AfDB_Group )-supported Regional COVID-19 Response Project, has handed over 10 ambulances and a consignment of critical medical equipment to the Government of The Gambia to strengthen emergency response, healthcare delivery, and national health system resilience.*

The reception took place on 30 April 2026 in Banjul, in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Health of The Gambia, WAHO, the African Development Bank, and national health stakeholders.

Representing WAHO at the ceremony were Dr @vlokossou , Dr Lionel Sogbossi, Dr Aishat Usman, Dr Thierno Barry, Mr Richard Combary, Mr Adamou Kimba and Mr Samson Ayeni, all members of the COVID-19 AfDB Project Implementation Team, while the African Development Bank was represented by Mr Koffi Ange Houngbedji, Task Team Leader of the regional project.

Beyond the ambulances, the intervention includes the delivery of essential biomedical and diagnostic equipment aimed at improving emergency care, intensive care capacity, diagnostics, infection prevention and control, and specialised clinical services across the country. The equipment package includes oxygen concentrators, haemodialysis machines, anaesthetic machines, X-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, monitors, autoclaves, laryngoscopes, aerosol and decontamination equipment, and other critical medical devices intended to reinforce healthcare delivery nationwide.

Speaking during the handover, stakeholders highlighted the importance of sustained regional solidarity and strategic investments in resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to emergencies and future public health threats. The ambulances and medical equipment are expected to significantly improve referral systems, timely access to lifesaving services, and the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations throughout The Gambia.

This support forms part of WAHO’s broader commitments to accompanying ECOWAS Member States in strengthening health security, expanding equitable access to quality healthcare services, and enhancing preparedness and response capacities through targeted regional interventions and partnerships.

WAHO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of The Gambia, the African Development Bank, and other partners to ensure the effective deployment, installation, operationalization, and sustainable use of the equipment for maximum impact on population health outcomes.

The delivery further demonstrates the strong partnership between WAHO, the African Development Bank, and ECOWAS Member States in advancing resilient, responsive, and people-centred health systems across West Africa.

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

The Director General of the West African Health Organisation (@OoasWaho ), Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. Aïssi, alongside Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health (@mohs_sl ), Dr @DembyAustin , handed over insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to pupils at Aberdeen Municipal Primary School in Freetown on 23 April 2026.

This initiative forms part of prevention and awareness activities organised in commemoration of World Malaria Day, reinforcing regional efforts towards malaria elimination.

By prioritising schoolchildren, the initiative focuses on protecting one of the most vulnerable groups while promoting the consistent use of proven malaria prevention measures.

Watch the attached video for highlights from the activity.

#AHMS2026 #ECOWAS #WAHO #HealthForAll #MalariaElimination

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

ECOWAS HEALTH MINISTERS ADOPT FREETOWN CHARTER ON MATERNAL, NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH AND REGIONAL FRAMEWORK TO ACCELERATE MALARIA ELIMINATION.

The 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (@ecowas_cedeao) concluded on 25 April 2026 in Freetown with the adoption of major strategic decisions aimed at accelerating malaria elimination, reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality, and strengthening health systems across the region.

Over two days of high-level deliberations, Ministers of Health endorsed the Regional Framework for Malaria Elimination, adopted the Freetown Charter on accelerating the reduction of maternal, newborn and child mortality, and reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient health financing in #ECOWAS Member States.

The Assembly also reviewed the 2025 Annual Report of the West African Health Organisation (@OOASWAHO), taking stock of progress made while highlighting persistent challenges affecting the performance and impact of health interventions in the region. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and enhance domestic resource mobilisation in a context of declining external funding.

Deliberations further underscored the urgency of intensified, coordinated regional action to address malaria as a major public health priority, while reinforcing broader efforts to improve health outcomes and build more resilient health systems.

The session concluded with the adoption of the final report and official communiqué, read by the representative of the Minister of Health of Ghana, capturing the key decisions, strategic orientations, and commitments made by Member States.

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

25 April 2026 – World Malaria Day | A Walk for World Malaria Day took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, organised by WAHO (@OoasWaho) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone (@mohs_sl).

Held under the theme “One Walk, One Vision: Malaria-Free West Africa”, the initiative brought together Health Ministers of #ECOWAS, health professionals, partners and community members in a strong demonstration of regional solidarity.

The walk, held within the framework of the 27th Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS, represented a significant moment of public mobilisation, highlighting the urgency of sustained action against malaria and the importance of community engagement alongside political commitment.

This initiative also reflected the Assembly’s objective of translating high-level decisions into concrete, people-centred action.

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

https://t.co/JEdVj9kiYv

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

https://t.co/g4peZRnqlI

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

Tomorrow, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the 27th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Assembly of Ministers of Health will take place, under the theme: “Advancing malaria elimination through an integrated regional approach”.

Sierra Leone, known for its coastal landscapes and resilient spirit, and which celebrates its independence on 27 April, is hosting this significant moment for the future of health in the region.

See you tomorrow in Freetown.

#AHMS2026 #ECOWAS #WAHO #HealthForAll #MalariaElimination

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

Quarter by quarter, the data tells a story. The latest edition of the Lassa Lens Initiative Newsletter tracks the latest trends, response efforts, and progress toward Lassa fever vaccine access across West Africa.

Click to read: https://t.co/gI40c9uXUX
Subscribe: https://t.co/MBplknaxem

#EndLassaFever

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

Sierra Leone and WAHO Announce the 27th Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS

Freetown, 20 April 2026 – The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the West African Health Organisation (@OOASWAHO), has officially announced, at a joint Press Conference, the hosting of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of #ECOWAS, scheduled to take place in Freetown from 20 to 25 April 2026.

Speaking at the Press Conference, @mohs_sl, Dr @DembyAustin, described the event as “a national honour” and a clear demonstration of the country’s leadership in addressing public health challenges, particularly in the fight against malaria, one of the leading causes of illness and death in the region.

“For the first time in 15 years, Sierra Leone will host this important gathering, bringing together ministers, technical experts and partners with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and addressing critical health challenges”, Dr @DembyAustin proudly stated.

The Minister also highlighted the development of the Freetown Charter, focused on technology-enabled and data-driven solutions to accelerate the reduction of maternal and infant mortality. The Charter is expected to be one of the key outcomes of the Assembly.

In his remarks, the Director General of @OOASWAHO, Dr @Melchior_AISSI, emphasised that the Assembly represents one of the highest political decision-making platforms on health in West Africa, offering Member States a strategic opportunity to harmonise policies, strengthen commitments and take concrete action to improve population health.

He further stressed that malaria elimination, the central theme of this year’s session, requires a collective, coordinated and sustainable response grounded in regional solidarity, noting that diseases do not know borders. He also underscored the importance of mobilising domestic resources and promoting innovative approaches to ensure lasting impact.

#AHMS2026 #ECOWAS #WAHO #HealthForAll #MalariaElimination

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

ECOWAS Health Experts Convene in Freetown for Second Statutory Meeting of the 27th Assembly of Health Ministers

Health experts from ECOWAS Member States are meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 21 to 22 April 2026 for the Health Experts Committee Meeting, the second statutory meeting of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS, organised by the West African Health Organisation (@OOASWAHO).

This meeting constitutes a critical stage in the Assembly process and the purpose is to review regional health performance, align strategies and formulate recommendations to guide ministerial decision-making, particularly on malaria elimination and health system strengthening.

At the opening, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health 1, Prof Charles Senesie, underscored the urgency of intensifying efforts in the fight against malaria, describing the disease as a persistent public health threat across the continent. He called on participants to use the meeting to strengthen cooperation and build a solid foundation for coordinated regional action.

Addressing the meeting, the Director General of WAHO, Dr @Melchior_AISSI, emphasised that the Assembly’s theme “Advancing malaria elimination through an integrated regional strategy”, reflects both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of action. He noted that, despite progress, malaria continues to exert a heavy burden on health systems, economies and vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women.

Dr @Melchior_AISSI stressed that malaria elimination in West Africa will not be achieved through isolated efforts, but rather through coordinated and integrated regional action. In this regard, he highlighted the central role of experts for the harmonisation of strategies across countries, the continuity of interventions beyond borders, integrated epidemiological surveillance, as well as sustainable and well-coordinated investments, combined with synchronised action over time.

Beyond malaria, he also highlighted the persistence of other health challenges in the region, reiterating the importance of a comprehensive approach. He concluded by expressing his hope that discussions over the two days will lead to concrete, measurable commitments aligned with the shared vision of malaria elimination in the sub-region.

Discussions will also focus on the regional malaria elimination framework, the operationalisation of the Regional Community Health Policy, as well as the development and adoption of the Freetown Charter. Participants will also share experiences and formulate recommendations on strategic issues, including epidemic surveillance, preparedness and response, the regional dialogue on HIV/AIDS, and initiatives to combat Lassa fever.

#AHMS2026 #ECOWAS #WAHO #HealthForAll #MalariaElimination

[WAHO | OOAS @OoasWaho]

WAHO Liaison Officers Meeting Kicks Off 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS.

The West African Health Organisation (@OOASWAHO) is convening today, 20 April 2026, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, its Liaison Officers as part of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS, marking the first in a series of statutory meetings of the Assembly.

The meeting brings together Liaisons Officers of @OOASWAHO who are senior officials from the Ministry of Health of #ECOWAS Member States and @OOASWAHO Programme Officers, to assess progress made in 2025, share experiences, and define strategic priorities for 2026 for #WAHO activities, thereby strengthening the coordination of public health interventions across the region. @OOASWAHO Liaison Officers play a vital role in the implementation of #WAHO activities at national level, ensuring coordination with Ministries of Health and monitoring the implementation of regional decisions.

In her welcome address, Mrs Magdalene Harding, Liaison Officer of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of @OOASWAHO Liaison Officers, commended the strong commitment of her colleagues and highlighted the importance of open dialogue, regional solidarity, and sustained collaboration in addressing public health challenges in West Africa.

The Director General of WAHO, Dr @Melchior_AISSI, noted that despite the progress achieved, the region continues to face structural challenges, including inequalities in the coverage of essential interventions, limited sustainable financing, and emerging threats such as resistance to treatments. He therefore called for a coordinated and integrated regional approach based on the harmonisation of policies, strengthened epidemiological surveillance, data sharing, and enhanced cross-border cooperation, stressing that only joint and innovative action will ensure sustainable results and advance malaria elimination in the region.

Dr @Melchior_AISSI commended the Liaison Officers for their significant contributions in 2025, particularly their role in the finalisation of key strategic and operational documents for community health, as well as their involvement in the recent launch of the regional community health policy and its implementation guidelines. He stressed the strong linkage between the theme of this year’s Assembly of Health Ministers of #ECOWAS and the effective implementation of the regional community health policy, emphasising that a substantial part of malaria elimination efforts must take place at community and household levels.

In this regard, he entreated the Liaison Officers to demonstrate innovation and remain fully engaged in supporting national health systems to align with the regional community health policy, with a view to reducing morbidity and mortality not only from malaria but also from other diseases, and to ensure the effective implementation of the regional malaria elimination framework across the #ECOWAS region.

The Liaison Officers are expected to review the status of implementation of the 2025 recommendations, present annual country activity reports, and define joint priorities and actions for 2026.

#AHMS2026 #ECOWAS #WAHO #HealthForAll #MalariaElimination