The 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS officially opened today 4 May 2025 in Praia, Cabo Verde, with the meeting of the Liaison Officers of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).
In his opening remarks, the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. AÏSSI, recalled that this year’s Assembly is being held under the theme: “Regional Community Health Policy Based on Consensus Standards and Principles.” He expressed his gratitude to the Liaison Officers for their dedicated efforts throughout 2024, which culminated in the validation of regional standards and principles for community health, as well as the adoption of the Lomé Declaration on Community Health, during the Consensus Conference held from 1 to 4 April 2025 in Lomé, Togo. These key documents will be presented to the Ministers for adoption.
Dr. Melchior AÏSSI further acknowledged the crucial role played by Liaison Officers in supporting the implementation of WAHO’s activities across Member States. He underscored their strategic contribution to promoting a harmonised regional approach to community health, aimed at achieving universal and effective coverage at the household level in prevention, health promotion, and ommunity-based surveillance.
In his welcome address, the Minister of Health of Cabo Verde, Dr Jorge Figueiredo, expressed appreciation to WAHO for selecting Praia as the host city for the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS. He also commended the Liaison Officers for their contribution to national health systems through the support of WAHO, and reaffirmed Cabo Verde’s strong commitment to advancing community health and regional cooperation among ECOWAS Member States.
The WAHO Liaison Officers’ meeting provides a valuable platform to: (1) assess the progress made in implementing the 2024 recommendations; (2) review the 2024 annual activity reports from each country; and (3) agree on a consolidated action plan for 2025.