President Bio Commends Health Ministry’s Crucial Role in 69th ECOWAS Summit Success

Freetown, July 25, 2026 (SLENA)-President Dr. Julius Maada Bio lauded Ministry of Health exceptional leadership, professionalism, preparedness, dedication ensuring successful healthcare delivery during recently concluded 69th ECOWAS Heads of State Government Summit hosted Freetown Lungi. He made this statement on the 25 July 2026

President commended Ministry comprehensive medical readiness seamless coordination, describing contribution key pillar behind successful hosting high-profile regional gathering.

“Ministry demonstrated highest professionalism commitment national service,” President Bio stated. “Meticulous planning, rapid response, dedication guaranteed every Head State, delegate, guest received quality medical support throughout summit. Outstanding performance enhanced Sierra Leone reputation capable host major international events.”

Before summit, Ministry implemented extensive preparedness strategy: specialized emergency training health workers, strengthened infection prevention control measures, improved ambulance services, strategic deployment personnel emergency teams, pre-positioned essential medicines supply designated locations.

During conference, medical teams stationed venues, official hotels, Freetown International Airport Lungi, other strategic points providing immediate care Heads State, delegates, dignitaries, support staff. Ministry collaborated closely security agencies emergency response institutions ensuring coordinated effective healthcare delivery.

President noted dedication efficiency reflected government continued investment strengthening healthcare system emergency readiness.

“Achievement reflects our commitment building resilient health sector responding national international demands,” President added. “I commend every health worker, emergency responder, support staff whose tireless efforts contributed historic summit.”

Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby expressed appreciation Presidential recognition, dedicating commendation his team—thousands of professionals working tirelessly before during summit.

“Recognition belongs every doctor, nurse, ambulance crew, laboratory specialist, public health officer, emergency responder, support staff serving professionally,” Dr. Demby said. “Priority ensured every participant accessed timely, safe, quality services. I am proud our teams delivered.”

Dr. Demby emphasized successful coordination stemmed careful planning, inter-agency collaboration, unwavering commitment deployed personnel nationwide.

“Medical response success demonstrates progress Sierra Leone made strengthening emergency preparedness health systems. We remain committed building gains delivering quality healthcare every Sierra Leonean while maintaining readiness supporting future international engagements,” he stated.

Concluded summit marked significant milestone Sierra Leone democratic diplomatic journey, providing strategic platform regional leaders deliberate critical issues: security, economic integration, democratic governance, sustainable development shaping continent future.

Recognizing exceptional leadership coordination underpinning Ministry success, Minister Demby presented Special Award Recognition— “Hero Week”—to Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, Director Hospitals Ambulance Services, appreciating outstanding leadership coordinating Ministry operations throughout ECOWAS Summit.

Ministry successful healthcare management during Summit drew widespread praise significant achievement underscoring Government continued investment strengthening national health system enhancing emergency preparedness, positioning country credible host major international events.