Lungi, Sierra Leone | Thursday, 16 July 2026 – As Sierra Leone finalizes preparations to host the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has intensified health preparedness efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Heads of State, delegates, dignitaries, and the public throughout the regional gathering.
Following the high-level inspection of the newly completed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, a joint health preparedness assessment was conducted at Lungi Government Hospital to evaluate the country’s readiness to provide emergency medical and public health services during the summit.
The assessment was led by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie M. Kenneh, and included the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, and the Programme Manager for Points of Entry at the National Public Health Agency, the program Mnagaer of Point of Entry Mr. Mohamed S. Bah, the NPHA.
The visit forms part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s comprehensive health security strategy for the summit, with a focus on emergency medical response, critical care capacity, infection prevention and control, disease surveillance, ambulance coordination, and the overall operational readiness of health facilities designated to support the event.
During the assessment, the delegation inspected the newly completed Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit and High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Lungi Government Hospital. Both facilities have been fully equipped by the Ministry of Health under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, significantly strengthening the hospital’s capacity to respond rapidly to emergencies and provide specialized care for critically ill patients.
The National Public Health Agency continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, public health risk communication, and multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms to ensure that any public health event is detected, reported, and managed promptly throughout the summit.
These coordinated efforts reflect Sierra Leone’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens and international visitors while maintaining the highest standards of public health security during one of the region’s most significant diplomatic gatherings.
Beyond the ECOWAS Summit, the upgraded infrastructure and enhanced preparedness at Lungi Government Hospital represent a lasting investment in Sierra Leone’s health system, expanding access to quality emergency and critical care services for surrounding communities and strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to future public health emergencies.
The National Public Health Agency and the Ministry of Health remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering safe, resilient, and responsive healthcare services before, during, and after the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s readiness to host a successful regional event while protecting the health and well-being of all.