By: Aminata Sesay
The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is intensifying calls for greater accountability and improved coordination in health financing as regional leaders work to strengthen health systems across West Africa.
Speaking at a high-level regional engagement, Director-General Dr. Melchior Athanase J. C. Asissi emphasized that fragmented funding and limited transparency continue to weaken the effectiveness of health interventions. He urged governments and development partners to adopt more structured and inclusive approaches that align external support with national health priorities.
According to Dr. Asissi, all health-related funding particularly projects implemented directly by partners must be fully disclosed to national authorities and governing bodies. He noted that without proper visibility and coordination, resources risk duplication or misallocation, thereby reducing their overall impact.
A key pillar of WAHO’s strategy is strengthening the health workforce. Dr. Asissi stressed that sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery depend on investing in skilled personnel and ensuring that research-based policies are effectively translated into practice. He added that technical recommendations should not remain theoretical but must directly influence service delivery across member states.
The WAHO Director-General also highlighted the importance of leveraging expertise from regional and international technical partners, including European-linked institutions, to support reforms and strengthen institutional capacity.
Reflecting on past financing experiences, he revealed that a 2014 funding request of US$9.3 million for a country programme exposed weaknesses in financial tracking and disbursement systems. These gaps, he said, highlight the urgent need for stronger accountability frameworks and clearer reporting mechanisms.
Beyond financing, Dr. Asissi called for deeper regional solidarity among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He identified improved healthcare access, stronger health security systems, and enhanced emergency preparedness as key regional priorities.
He also emphasized the need for local production of medical supplies and more efficient responses to public health emergencies, noting that resilience will depend on both domestic capacity and cross-border cooperation.
Acknowledging support from global partners such as the World Bank and the European Union, Dr. Asissi cautioned that global economic uncertainties could affect future funding flows. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed WAHO’s commitment to promoting transparent, coordinated, and sustainable health system reforms.
“Our focus remains on improving health outcomes and ensuring that essential services are accessible to all,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s long-term vision for a healthier and more resilient West Africa.