The West African Health Organisation has called for stronger regional cooperation, sustainable healthcare financing, technological innovation and improved preparedness to address emerging health challenges across the ECOWAS region.

The organisation made the call as it commemorated its 39th anniversary, with its Director-General, Dr. Melchior Aïssi, outlining a roadmap aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to quality medical services across West Africa.

In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, Aïssi reflected on nearly four decades of regional health collaboration, noting that WAHO has continued to coordinate responses to public health emergencies, harmonise health policies and support healthcare development among ECOWAS member states.

Established on July 9, 1987, by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, WAHO serves as the specialised health institution responsible for promoting regional cooperation on healthcare issues.

Aïssi described this year’s anniversary as particularly significant as it coincides with the completion of his tenure as Director-General. He said the organisation has overcome numerous challenges while recording significant progress through the collective efforts of ECOWAS institutions, member states and development partners.

According to him, WAHO has over the past year implemented several initiatives aimed at strengthening national health systems, promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, increasing domestic healthcare financing and expanding community health programmes across the region.

He also highlighted the outcome of the 27th Assembly of ECOWAS Ministers of Health held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where ministers adopted key policy frameworks designed to improve healthcare delivery across member countries.

Among the decisions reached were the adoption of a Regional Framework for Malaria Elimination, the Freetown Charter on technology and data-driven strategies to reduce maternal, neonatal and infant mortality, regional recommendations promoting exclusive breastfeeding and renewed commitments to strengthen domestic healthcare financing.

Aïssi said the resolutions reflected the determination of ECOWAS member states to build more resilient, innovative and equitable health systems capable of delivering quality healthcare to millions of people across West Africa.

He also welcomed the renewed confidence expressed by ECOWAS Ministers of Health in WAHO’s leadership, attributing the recognition to the commitment of the organisation’s staff, member states and development partners.

Looking ahead, the Director-General identified health security, emerging and re-emerging diseases, climate change, digital transformation of healthcare, regional pharmaceutical manufacturing and sustainable healthcare financing as priority areas requiring greater regional collaboration.

He expressed confidence that WAHO would continue advancing the goal of universal access to quality healthcare across West Africa through sustained cooperation among member states and international partners.