Guinea-Bissau has selected the Gabú and Oio regions as pilot areas for the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Community Health Policy, marking a major step towards expanding healthcare access to vulnerable and underserved communities.
The decision was reached at a three-day National Engagement Workshop on the implementation of the policy, organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in collaboration with Guinea-Bissau’s Ministry of Public Health in Bissau from August 19 to 21, 2026.
The selection of the two regions marks the transition of the Regional Community Health Policy from planning to practical implementation, with national and local authorities, communities and other stakeholders expected to assume defined responsibilities in delivering the initiative.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, WAHO Director-General, Dr Melchior Athanase Joël C. Aïssi, described Guinea-Bissau as a pioneer among ECOWAS member states for hosting the first information and engagement mission on the implementation of the new policy.
Aïssi said the workshop should serve not merely as a platform for discussions but as the starting point for translating the regional policy into concrete action.
He stressed that effective implementation would require strong national ownership, multisectoral coordination and a clear division of responsibilities among stakeholders.
While reaffirming WAHO’s readiness to provide technical support, guidance and facilitation, the Director-General emphasised that Guinea-Bissau must take ownership of and lead the implementation process.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Public Health, Commodore Dr Quinhin Nantote, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the policy, describing investment in community health as both a necessity and a national priority.
Nantote said improving healthcare access would require deliberate efforts to reach vulnerable populations, particularly residents of remote and hard-to-reach communities.
He also highlighted the crucial role of Community Health Workers (CHWs), describing them as a vital link between formal healthcare services and local communities.
The minister called for an implementation strategy anchored on equity, community participation and intersectoral collaboration, noting that sustainable improvements in public health could not be achieved by government and health professionals alone.
The workshop brought together representatives of government ministries and agencies, national institutions, civil society and community-based organisations, research and training institutions, as well as technical and financial partners.
Participants reviewed key regional and national community health instruments, including the Regional Community Health Policy, its norms and principles, regional guidance documents and practical tools for Community Health Workers.
They also identified priority interventions, assigned responsibilities to relevant stakeholders and worked towards developing costed action plans for priority areas.
Discussions further examined the proposed regional community information system platform, the national coordination mechanism and other measures required to establish an effective framework for implementing the policy.
WAHO Liaison Officer in Guinea-Bissau, Dr Plácido Cardoso, underscored the importance of sustained engagement among national stakeholders and development partners to ensure the success of the implementation process.
With Gabú and Oio designated as pilot regions, Guinea-Bissau is expected to use the pilot phase to test and strengthen implementation mechanisms at community level before applying lessons learned to a broader rollout.
WAHO said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau and other ECOWAS member states in strengthening community health systems and ensuring that quality healthcare services are brought closer to the people.
