By Seun Ibiyemi
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has convened its Annual Steering Committee Meeting on financial support to ECOWAS Member States, bringing together key regional stakeholders to enhance health sector performance and accountability.
The three-day meeting, which opened on April 14, 2026, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, is focused on reviewing progress, strengthening coordination, and improving the effectiveness of health investments across the region.
Participants at the meeting include Resident Representatives of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), members of the ECOWAS Parliament, the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee, WAHO Country Liaison Officers, as well as directors and health professionals.
The gathering aims to assess achievements since the establishment of the Steering Committees in 2024, identify implementation challenges, and share lessons learned.
It will also define strategic actions to improve coordination, enhance efficiency, and optimise resource utilisation in support of stronger healthcare systems across member states.
In his remarks, the outgoing Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee, Emmanuel Awe, praised WAHO’s structured approach to implementing health interventions, noting its vital role in advancing the regional health agenda.
The new Chairperson, Komba Momoh, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration, peer learning, and accountability.
He highlighted notable progress since 2024, particularly in maternal and child health, workforce development, and emergency response systems.
Delivering the keynote address, WAHO Director General, Melchior Athanase J. C. Aïssi, stressed the urgency of improving efficiency and boosting domestic resource mobilisation amid declining external funding for health.
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He disclosed that WAHO provided approximately $9.3 million in direct support to member states in 2025, while calling for better prioritisation and accountability to meet increasing healthcare demands.
“The Steering Committees have become a key instrument for improving governance, transparency and the visibility of WAHO’s support across the region,” he said.
As deliberations continue, participants are expected to consolidate best practices, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and outline actionable priorities aimed at maximising the impact of WAHO’s interventions and improving health outcomes across the ECOWAS region.
