West Africa Health: Ministers to Tackle Health Policy Challenges in Cabo Verde. By Raymond Enoch
Health ministers from across West Africa will converge in Praia, Cabo Verde, from May 4 to 10, 2025, for the 26th Session of the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers, organized by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO). The high-level meeting comes at a critical time for the region as it seeks to strengthen collective action on public health priorities and adapt to evolving global health dynamics.
Key issues on the agenda include revising and implementing the ECOWAS Community Health Policy, assessing the regional impact of recent health-related policy decisions made by the United States, and advancing the pooled procurement strategy for essential medicines—an initiative seen as vital to improving access and reducing costs across member states.
Ministers will also explore new developments in the fight against Lassa fever, including progress on vaccine development, and will engage in discussions with global health partners to bolster regional cooperation and resource mobilization.
WAHO officials say the session will be pivotal in aligning national strategies with regional goals, particularly as West Africa faces mounting health security challenges and seeks sustainable solutions through unity and innovation.
