Freetown, Sierra Leone, October 12, 2026: –A delegation from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Monday held high-level discussions with Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Hon. Kekura C. Vandy, on strategies to improve healthcare financing and service delivery in Sierra Leone.
The UNECA delegation, led by Chief of Staff Aboubakri Diaw, commended Parliament for hosting the engagement and underscored the urgent need for increased investment in the country’s health sector. He called on Parliament to support efforts aimed at ensuring adequate government funding for healthcare services.
Diaw explained that UNECA is supporting the health sector through initiatives focused on strengthening healthcare financing mechanisms, improving health data systems, and assisting the Ministries of Finance and Health in developing effective tools for managing health resources.
He highlighted the importance of better coordination among health information systems, addressing challenges in data collection and utilization, and enhancing regional collaboration on health-related issues.
According to Diaw, Parliament’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, budget approval, oversight, and representation of citizens, make it a key stakeholder in advancing healthcare financing reforms. He noted that although Sierra Leone has committed to allocating 15 percent of its national budget to health in line with the Abuja Declaration, current spending remains at approximately six percent.
He therefore encouraged Parliament to help identify challenges affecting healthcare financing, amplify citizens’ concerns, and work alongside the Executive to ensure health-sector funding targets are met and public resources are effectively utilized.
Responding, Speaker Thomas welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and commendable. He assured the delegation that the Sixth Parliament remains committed to supporting measures that advance national development and improve the welfare of citizens.
“The Sixth Parliament is ready to engage the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies on this matter,” the Speaker said, adding that Parliament would take appropriate action following the necessary consultations.
Finance Committee Chairman Hon. Vandy emphasized the crucial role of the Executive branch in the budgetary process and encouraged UNECA to engage directly with government institutions responsible for budget preparation and implementation.
He pointed to challenges in domestic revenue mobilization, particularly gaps in revenue collection by the National Revenue Authority (NRA), which he said continue to constrain government spending despite the Ministry of Finance’s willingness to support viable development initiatives.
Hon. Vandy also cited the impact of external economic shocks on national budget allocations, noting that such factors have affected government’s ability to increase expenditure in critical sectors, including health.
The UNECA Chief of Staff further disclosed that households currently account for about 60 percent of health expenditure across Africa. He said the organization intends to undertake a health financing survey to assess government contributions to health insurance relative to household spending and to support evidence-based policy decisions.
In his remarks, Hon. Vandy advised that donor-supported resources should be coordinated through the Ministry of Finance and that Parliament should be kept informed of all external support provided to the country to enhance transparency and accountability.
The meeting concluded with both sides acknowledging the potential benefits of improved healthcare financing, including greater value for money, better health outcomes, and the prospect of a positive demographic dividend for Sierra Leone.
By Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone.
