Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, and H.E. Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, attended the opening session of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) holds its annual Assembly, which serves as the organisation’s supreme decision-making forum, bringing together Member States to negotiate and set global health priorities. This year’s meeting, themed “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” focused on collective responses to emerging health challenges, such as mobilising sustainable funding for the WHO and strengthening health systems around the world.
The Assembly’s high-level segment included remarks from the President of the Health Assembly, as well as statements from heads of state and other prominent international figures. Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and UN Secretary-General António Guterres were among the notable speakers. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, used his speech to emphasise the organisation’s immediate priorities: improving global health governance, moving forward with pandemic negotiations, and meeting urgent funding needs. He urged Member States to use the Assembly to advocate for equitable access to medical countermeasures and to finalise multilateral agreements that are critical for global health security.
Sierra Leone emphasised its active participation in the WHO and its commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The recently released National Health Sector Strategic Plan (2026-2030) prioritises universal health coverage, health security, and evidence-based, innovative interventions to reduce maternal and child mortality, HIV, malnutrition, and other communicable diseases. Delegation members emphasised Sierra Leone’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services throughout the country.
Sierra Leone’s contributions to global health were further recognised when the country was elected to the Assembly’s General Committee, the body in charge of guiding and coordinating Member State activities during WHA proceedings. Sierra Leone’s election allows it to have a greater influence in shaping debate and advancing regional and national health interests at the Assembly.
The country has also received international recognition for its resilience and leadership during previous public health crises, such as the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. President Julius Maada Bio’s health reforms were praised for strengthening efforts to ensure equitable access to quality health care for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of location or background. The Sierra Leone delegation reaffirmed its commitment to using the Assembly to advance these goals and strengthen collaboration with global partners.
