AYV News, October 14, 2026
Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby has received a high-level delegation from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to discuss sustainable health financing models aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to support the Government of Sierra Leone’s health financing reforms, which propose a universal basic package of essential health services free at the point of care, alongside a complementary contributory health insurance package.
The proposed reforms seek to improve access to essential healthcare while reducing the financial burden on families, particularly those who struggle to afford medical treatment when illness strikes.
Under the proposed arrangement, patients would be able to access basic essential health services without paying at the point of care. The reform also aims to ensure that health facilities receive funding on time and have adequate supplies of essential medicines and vaccines to meet the needs of patients, including pregnant women and newborns.
Sustainable health financing has also been identified as an important component of Sierra Leone’s efforts to accelerate progress towards the Triple Zero agenda. The ongoing 300 Days of Activism has highlighted the importance of leadership, real-time data and frontline action in advancing health-related priorities.
The latest engagement with UNECA is expected to help establish a sustainable financing foundation to support and maintain these gains.
Throughout the week, the Ministries of Health, Finance, and Planning and Economic Development are working with the UNECA delegation to assess financing projections, examine the costs of the proposed reforms and identify sustainable domestic funding options for the health sector.
The discussions are expected to contribute to the development of financing approaches that can support the delivery of essential healthcare services, strengthen the health system and protect families from financial hardship associated with illness.
The engagement underscores the importance of coordinated government action and sustainable domestic resource mobilisation in financing Sierra Leone’s healthcare priorities.
