Freetown, Sierra Leone 25th July, 2026.
President Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of ECOWAS until after the summit, successfully hosted the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Freetown and Lungi| Photo credit: State House Media
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has applauded the Ministry of Health for its exceptional leadership, professionalism, preparedness, and dedication in ensuring successful delivery of healthcare services during the recently concluded 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Freetown and Lungi.
The President commended the Ministry’s comprehensive medical preparedness and seamless healthcare coordination, describing its contribution as one of the key pillars behind the successful hosting of the high-profile regional summit.
“The Ministry of Health has once again demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and commitment to national service,” President Bio pointed out. “Your meticulous planning, rapid response, and dedication ensured that every Head of State, delegate, and guest received quality medical support throughout the summit. This outstanding performance has further enhanced Sierra Leone’s reputation as a country capable of successfully hosting major international events.”
Emergency medical teams, ambulance services, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, and essential medicines and medical supplies, were critical part of the MoH’s preparation and response before and during the summit.
Ahead of the summit, the Ministry of Health implemented an extensive medical preparedness strategy that included specialized emergency response training for healthcare professionals, strengthened Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, improved ambulance services, strategic deployment of medical personnel and emergency response teams, and the pre-positioning of essential medicines and medical supplies at designated locations.
Throughout the conference, medical teams were stationed at conference venues, official hotels, the Freetown International Airport in Lungi, and other strategic locations to provide immediate medical care to Heads of State, delegates, dignitaries, and support staff. The Ministry also worked in close collaboration with security agencies and other emergency response institutions to ensure a coordinated and effective healthcare response.
President Bio noted that the dedication and efficiency displayed by the Ministry reflected the government’s continued investment in strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and emergency preparedness.
The newly completred state-of-the-art Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center in Lungi was the place where Sierra Leone proudly hosted the summit.
“This achievement is a reflection of our government’s commitment to building a resilient health sector capable of responding to both national and international demands,” the President added. He went on; “I commend every healthcare worker, emergency responder, and support staff whose tireless efforts contributed to the success of this historic summit.”
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, expressed appreciation to President Bio for the recognition and dedicated the commendation to his team, including the thousands of healthcare professionals who worked tirelessly before and throughout the summit.
“This recognition belongs to every doctor, nurse, ambulance crew, laboratory specialist, public health officer, emergency responder, and support staff who served with professionalism and dedication,” Dr. Demby said. “Our priority was to ensure that every participant at the ECOWAS Summit had access to timely, safe, and quality healthcare services, and I am proud that our teams delivered on that commitment.”
Dr. Demby further emphasized that the Ministry’s successful coordination was made possible through careful planning, inter-agency collaboration, and the unwavering commitment of healthcare personnel deployed across the country.
Senior Leadership of the Ministry of Health, incluyding the Deputy Minister of Health one, the Senior Permanent Secretary, the Deputy Chief Medical Officers for Public Health and Clinical Services, graced the occasion by playing their part in making the MoH succeed.
“The success of our medical response demonstrates the progress Sierra Leone has made in strengthening emergency preparedness and health systems. We remain committed to building on these gains to deliver quality healthcare for every Sierra Leonean while maintaining our readiness to support future international engagements,” he stated.
The recently concluded summit marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic and diplomatic journey, providing it with a strategic platform for regional leaders to deliberate on critical issues, including security, economic integration, democratic governance, and sustainable development, among others, that will continue to shape the future of the continent.
Recognising the exceptional leadership and coordination that underpinned the Ministry’s success, Minister Demby presented a Special Award of Recognition, dubbed as the “Hero of the week” to Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, Director of Hospitals and Ambulance Services, in appreciation of his outstanding leadership in coordinating the Ministry’s operations throughout the ECOWAS Summit.
Proud recipient of the Ministerial Award “Hero of the Week”, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, Director of Hospitals and Ambulance Services, for outstanding leadership in coordinating the Ministry’s operations throughout the ECOWAS Summit.
The Ministry of Health’s successful management of healthcare services during the Summit has been widely praised as a significant achievement that underscores the Government of Sierra Leone’s continued investment in strengthening the national health system and enhancing emergency preparedness, positioning the country as a credible host for major international events.