20/05/2025
CARE Participates in Sierra Leone’s Landmark National Health Summit Advancing Universal Health Coverage by 2030
Freetown, Sierra Leone — May 20, 2025
The Government of Sierra Leone has successfully concluded its landmark National Health Summit, held from May 15–17, 2025, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown. Centered around the theme “Improving Health Outcomes for All: Every Sierra Leonean Matters,” the three-day event represented a pivotal step in the country’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Organized in collaboration with national and international stakeholders, the summit marked the second national convening of key actors across the health ecosystem, including government officials, public health experts, service providers, community leaders, and advocates. Participants reviewed progress since the previous summit, spotlighted best practices, such as the “One Plan, One Budget, One Report” approach—and reaffirmed alignment with the 2024 Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP).
CARE was honored to participate in this historic dialogue, reaffirming its commitment to driving systemic change and strengthening Sierra Leone’s health landscape. A long-standing partner in the country’s health sector, CARE works in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and other partners to fortify Health Systems Strengthening, with a specific focus on s*xual and reproductive health rights for women and young people.
CARE’s work also includes the provision of essential medical supplies, expanding access to modern contraceptive methods, and building the capacity of health workers to deliver high-quality, respectful care. We also collaborate with communities to challenge and transform harmful gender norms that limit women and girls’ access to health services.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Health, Dr. Austin H. Demby, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to strong health governance, resilient systems, and equitable service delivery for all.
The summit elevated diverse voices, from maternal health advocates to community leaders tackling the spread of the “Kush” drug crisis, the current Mpox epidemic, underscoring the power of people-centered, community-led health solutions.
As the summit concluded, renewed commitments, and strengthened partnerships signaled a transformative shift in Sierra Leone’s health sector.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation reiterated its pledge to ensure that no Sierra Leonean is left behind in the quest for affordable, quality, and equitable healthcare.
“Every Sierra Leonean matters. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for all,” said Minister Demby in his closing statement.
CARE remains deeply committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s UHC 2030 vision—championing health, dignity, and justice for all.
