Freetown, 17 May 2025 – Sierra Leone concluded its 2025 National Health Summit and Performance Awards, a three-day event convened under the theme “Improving Health Outcomes for All: Every Sierra Leonean Life Matters.” Hosted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health development partners, the summit brought together leaders from across government, civil society, the health sector, and development agencies to discuss transformative strategies for health system strengthening.

Held from 15–17 May, the summit provided a vital platform to collectively address key health priorities—from ending the Mpox outbreak and accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC), to advancing climate and environmental health, primary healthcare reform, health governance, health financing, digital innovation, etc.

In his keynote address, Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, urged stakeholders to align vision with action: “This is more than a summit, it is a homecoming for our health sector and a turning point from coordination to coherence, from ambition to action. His Excellency the President sees a future where every Sierra Leonean receives the care they need, right here at home. Our collective role is to translate that vision into activities that make it real, safe deliveries, strong health systems, and services that reach every district. Health is the backbone of our national development.”

Throughout the summit, WHO provided technical support, helping to guide evidence-based discussions and practical solutions for critical challenges. A highlight of the discussions was the “One Plan, One Budget, One Report” model, which was showcased as a best practice for aligning national and partner efforts to build a resilient health system drawing on lessons from countries like Rwanda and Malawi.

Serving as a panelist on the session focused on health governance, Mr. George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone, emphasized the need for sustained leadership and accountability:

“Effective health governance is the foundation for achieving Universal Health Coverage. It requires bold leadership, aligned priorities, and mutual accountability between government, partners, and communities. WHO remains committed to walking this path with Sierra Leone—side by side—in building an inclusive, responsive, and resilient health system.”

The summit also celebrated outstanding performance in the health sector through the National Health Performance Awards, recognizing institutions and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in service delivery, innovation, and leadership. The awards served to inspire and motivate the health workforce to continue driving improvements across the country.

As the curtain fell on this year’s summit, participants left with renewed determination to collaborate, innovate, and act with urgency to realize the shared vision of a healthier Sierra Leone where every life truly matters.