By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Ministry of Health (MoH), in partnership with key development organizations, is set to host the Second National Health Summit and Performance Awards from Thursday, May 15, to Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the prestigious Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the MoH Conference Hall, Youyi Building, on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Themed “Improving Health Outcomes for All: Every Sierra Leonean Life Matters,” the summit aims to bring together health experts, policymakers, civil society, academics, and community leaders to assess progress, align national health strategies, and celebrate achievements in Sierra Leone’s evolving healthcare sector.
Speaking at the press briefing, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby underscored the significance of the event, describing it as more than just a meeting. “This year’s summit provides a critical platform for collective reflection, planning, and recognition. We are bringing everyone to the table to strategize and celebrate,” Dr. Demby stated.
The summit’s objectives include assessing advancements in maternal and child health, strengthening governance and workforce capacity, showcasing innovations in service delivery and financing, and reinforcing accountability through the One Plan, One Budget, One Report framework. A major highlight will be the Performance Awards Ceremony, which will recognize outstanding health professionals and institutions for their contributions to the sector.
The summit takes on heightened importance amid a recent M-pox outbreak, which was declared a public health emergency. In response, the first day of the event will be dedicated to formulating a national strategy to combat the virus and raise awareness on preventive measures.
Dr. Demby urged national cooperation, stating, “We call on all Sierra Leoneans and our partners to join us in this national effort. Our people deserve the best, and together, we can deliver it.”
Johanna Dukhan, Chair of the Health Development Partners (HDP), echoed the need for inclusivity, emphasizing that equity must guide all summit discussions. “This summit presents a unique opportunity to evaluate progress and ensure no one is left behind. Equity must be at the heart of our planning, budgeting, and service provision,” Dukhan asserted.
Balancing Emergency Response with Essential Services
Addressing concerns about the timing of the summit amid an ongoing health crisis, Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), provided historical context. Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s Ebola outbreak, he highlighted how emergency response efforts inadvertently disrupted essential services, leading to high maternal mortality rates linked to teenage pregnancies.
Dr. Kenneh emphasized that lessons from past outbreaks have informed the Ministry of Health’s approach to managing M-pox without compromising routine healthcare delivery. “No outbreak should force us to abandon our essential health services. A purely medical response is not enough—we need civil society, media, development partners, and traditional leaders to be part of the solution,” he stated.
Celebrating Achievements & Strengthening Collaboration
Beyond addressing health challenges, the summit will recognize remarkable progress made by districts and professionals since the first National Health Summit. The Performance Awards will spotlight exceptional service delivery and innovation, fostering healthy competition and national momentum for excellence in healthcare.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kenneh reaffirmed the long-term vision for the health sector, emphasizing the institutionalization of the One Plan, One Budget, One Monitoring & Evaluation System, and One Report framework. He described this as essential for coordination, transparency, and efficiency in Sierra Leone’s healthcare landscape.
Public Engagement & Future Outlook
The summit is anticipated to strengthen partnerships, encourage cross-sectoral collaboration, and shape future health priorities amid shifting global and local dynamics. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to stay informed through verified media outlets and official ministry platforms to ensure broad engagement and transparency throughout the event.