Health ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have adopted a regional framework aimed at improving healthcare systems and reducing preventable deaths across West Africa.
The “Freetown Charter” was endorsed during the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers, held in Sierra Leone’s capital from April 20 to 25, with more than 500 delegates in attendance.
The meeting, organised by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and the West African Health Organization, brought together ministers, health experts and development partners to address shared health challenges.
The charter focuses on reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality, while strengthening health systems and improving coordination among ECOWAS member states.
It outlines measures to expand the use of digital technologies in healthcare, including real-time data systems for decision-making and the integration of tools such as artificial intelligence into national health services.
Ministers also committed to enhancing regional cooperation on public health responses and aligning national strategies with the framework’s provisions.
The agreement reinforces broader commitments made during the session, including efforts to accelerate malaria elimination and improve maternal and infant health indicators across the region.
As a policy framework, the charter is expected to guide national health reforms, with member states required to track and report progress on implementation.
The adoption of the Freetown Charter marks a coordinated regional approach to tackling key health challenges, with an emphasis on accountability, system strengthening and cross-border collaboration.
