By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone has strengthened its role in global health financing and governance following Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby’s chairmanship of a high-level meeting of the Global Financing Facility (GFF) Ministerial Network in Rabat, Morocco.
The meeting, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, brought together health ministers from GFF partner countries to discuss sustainable health financing, strengthen international collaboration and explore strategies for building resilient healthcare systems.
Dr. Demby chaired the meeting in his capacity as Chairman of the GFF Ministerial Network, providing Sierra Leone with an important opportunity to contribute to global discussions on health financing and national development priorities.
Hosted by the World Bank, the GFF Ministerial Network provides a platform for health ministers from partner countries to coordinate priorities, exchange experiences and advocate collectively for sustainable financing solutions to improve healthcare delivery.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of changing development assistance arrangements and growing pressure on countries to mobilize domestic resources to finance their healthcare systems.
Discussions focused on strengthening national ownership of health priorities, promoting equitable financing arrangements and identifying sustainable approaches to improving access to quality healthcare, particularly in developing countries.
Under Dr. Demby’s leadership, the Network continues to advance country-led approaches that place national health priorities and the needs of vulnerable populations at the centre of global financing discussions.
Particular emphasis is being placed on improving health outcomes for women, children and adolescents through stronger, more inclusive and resilient healthcare systems.
The Rabat meeting also preceded the 22nd GFF Investors Group Meeting, scheduled for November 3–4, 2026, which is expected to bring together governments and development partners to further strengthen cooperation and advance financing priorities for national health systems.
Sierra Leone’s leadership of the GFF Ministerial Network underscores the country’s growing contribution to international efforts to promote equitable and sustainable health financing.
Through its engagement in these high-level discussions, Sierra Leone continues to advocate for stronger healthcare systems that can deliver accessible and quality health services, with particular attention to the needs of women, children and adolescents.