Freetown: President Dr. Julius Maada Bio lauded the Ministry of Health for their exceptional leadership, professionalism, and preparedness in ensuring successful healthcare delivery during the recently concluded 69th ECOWAS Heads of State Government Summit hosted in Freetown Lungi. He made this statement on July 25, 2026. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the President commended the Ministry for their comprehensive medical readiness and seamless coordination, describing their contribution as a key pillar behind the successful hosting of the high-profile regional gathering. "The Ministry demonstrated the highest professionalism and commitment to national service," President Bio stated. "Meticulous planning, rapid response, and dedication guaranteed that every Head of State, delegate, and guest received quality medical support throughout the summit. This outstanding performance has enhanced Sierra Leone's reputation as a capable host for major international events." Before the summit, the Ministry imple mented an extensive preparedness strategy that included specialized emergency training for health workers, strengthened infection prevention control measures, improved ambulance services, strategic deployment of personnel and emergency teams, and pre-positioned essential medicines and supplies at designated locations. During the conference, medical teams were stationed at venues, official hotels, Freetown International Airport Lungi, and other strategic points to provide immediate care to Heads of State, delegates, dignitaries, and support staff. The Ministry collaborated closely with security agencies and emergency response institutions to ensure coordinated and effective healthcare delivery. The President noted that the dedication and efficiency reflected the government's continued investment in strengthening the healthcare system and emergency readiness. "This achievement reflects our commitment to building a resilient health sector capable of responding to national and international demands," President Bio added. "I commend every health worker, emergency responder, and support staff whose tireless efforts contributed to this historic summit." Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby expressed appreciation for the Presidential recognition, dedicating the commendation to his team of thousands of professionals who worked tirelessly before and during the summit. "Recognition belongs to every doctor, nurse, ambulance crew, laboratory specialist, public health officer, emergency responder, and support staff serving professionally," Dr. Demby said. "Our priority was to ensure every participant accessed timely, safe, quality services. I am proud that our teams delivered." Dr. Demby emphasized that the successful coordination stemmed from careful planning, inter-agency collaboration, and unwavering commitment from deployed personnel nationwide. "The medical response success demonstrates the progress Sierra Leone has made in strengthening emergency preparedness and health systems. We remain committed to building on these gains and delivering quality healthcare to every Sierra Leonean while maintaining readiness for supporting future international engagements," he stated. The concluded summit marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's democratic and diplomatic journey, providing a strategic platform for regional leaders to deliberate on critical issues such as security, economic integration, democratic governance, and sustainable development shaping the continent's future. Recognizing the exceptional leadership and coordination underpinning the Ministry's success, Minister Demby presented a Special Award of Recognition-'Hero Week'-to Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, Director of Hospitals and Ambulance Services, appreciating his outstanding leadership in coordinating the Ministry's operations throughout the ECOWAS Summit. The Ministry's successful healthcare management during the Summit drew widespread praise as a significant achievement, underscoring the Government's continued investment in strengthening the national health sy stem and enhancing emergency preparedness, positioning the country as a credible host for major international events.