The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the specialised health institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), today convened in Cotonou the technical session of the regional workshop dedicated to the adoption and operationalisation of the Regional Community Health Policy (RCHP).
The opening of the session was marked by institutional remarks highlighting the strategic importance of community health for the future of health systems in the region.
In her statement, Mrs Magdalene Harding, representative of Sierra Leone, the country currently chairing ECOWAS and WAHO Liaison Officer in Sierra Leone, underscored the historic nature of the meeting and called for collective commitment from Member States. She stressed that community ownership remains the most effective pathway to ensuring accessibility, equity and sustainable quality healthcare services, in pursuit of universal health coverage. She further encouraged all participants to embrace this shift, noting that stronger health systems depend on active and empowered communities.
In his address, the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase Joël C. AÏSSI, emphasised the need for a paradigm shift that places communities at the centre of health policies. He observed that current systems remain insufficiently aligned with local realities and underscored the importance of prioritising preventive, promotive and integrated approaches.
He further highlighted that the Regional Community Health Policy provides a structured and sustainable response to the region’s challenges, grounded in a shared vision, harmonised standards and clear operational tools. He also called for decisive and coordinated action from Member States and partners to ensure effective implementation.
The technical session brings together policymakers, national and regional experts, representatives of civil society, the private sector, and technical and financial partners. It aims to deepen understanding of the adopted strategic instruments and to define concrete mechanisms for their implementation across Member States. Throughout the session, participants are reviewing the policy and related documents, sharing national experiences particularly the case of Benin and discussing implementation strategies, including the development of a regional roadmap.
The official launch ceremony for the Regional Community Health Policy is scheduled for 24 March 2026 at the Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou.
