By Kemo Cham
Dr Melchio Athanase Aissi, the Director General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), has waned that the goal of malaria elimination in the sub region is unachievable without a coordinated and integrated regional action. Dr AIssi told an experts’ meeting on the second day of the ongoing Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Freetown that despite progress against the parasitic disease, it continues to exert a heavy burden on the health systems, economies and vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
The experts meeting, which commenced on Tuesday, April 21st , is the second statutory meeting at the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of ECOWAS.
According to WAHO, which is organizing the annual event, the expert meeting “constitutes a critical stage” in the weeklong event that will climax with the Minister’s meeting. The purpose of the expert meeting, the agency said in a news report, is to review regional health performance, align strategies and formulate recommendations to guide ministerial decision-making, with a focus on malaria elimination and health strengthening.
The Freetown event, which is ongoing at the Radisson Blue Mammy Yoko Hotel, is being held on the theme: “Advancing malaria elimination through an integrated regional strategy”
Dr Aissi is quoted stressing the central role of experts in efforts to harmonise strategies across member countries, ensure continuity of interventions beyond borders, integrate epidemiological surveillance, and ensure sustainable and well-coordinated investments, combined with synchronised action over time.
The WAHO DG also spoke on the persistence of other health challenges facing the region, which is stressed points to the need for a comprehensive approach.
Prof. Charles Senesie, Deputy Minister I in the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone, also spoke on the urgency of intensifying efforts against malaria, which he noted was a “persistent public health threat” across the continent.
Other issues on the agenda at Radisson Blue include the operationalisation of the Regional Community Health Policy. Delegates will also share experiences and formulate recommendations on strategic issues, including epidemic surveillance, preparedness and response, the regional dialogue on HIV/AIDS, and initiatives to combat Lassa fever.
The meeting will culminate in the development and adoption of the Freetown Charter.
