Sierra Leone’s Dr. Austin Demby Named Chair of GFF Ministerial Network in Abuja.

Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, has been appointed Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Network of the Global Financing Facility (GFF). His appointment was unanimously supported by health ministers from GFF member states at their recent meeting held at Fraser Suites in Abuja, Nigeria.

The ministerial network, comprising representatives from GFF countries such as Nigeria, Malawi, Liberia, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, and Senegal, among others, unites nations to improve global health outcomes. The GFF, a multi-stakeholder partnership supported by the World Bank, focuses on bolstering health systems, especially for women, girls, and adolescents, by providing sustainable financing.

Upon taking the chair, Dr. Demby emphasized his commitment to enhancing health outcomes. “My tenure as chair will prioritize saving lives through reinvigorated health initiatives and optimized GFF programs,” he stated. Dr. Demby also urged his fellow ministers to advance ambitious and targeted health agendas to improve care for women, girls, and adolescents. He called on member countries to foster robust partnerships to implement GFF strategies effectively.

Partners, including those in Nigeria and civil society members, shared experiences and discussed aligning with both state and non-state actors to operationalize the GFF strategy. The meeting focused on establishing effective frameworks to make GFF efforts more impactful and results-driven.

Sierra Leone’s leadership in global health reflects its growing influence despite internal criticisms, demonstrating the country’s commitment to meaningful international collaboration and health improvements.