The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) in Sierra Leone recently held discussions with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to examine ways of extending health insurance and social protection to workers, particularly those in the informal sector. A significant portion of Sierra Leone's workforce, over 80 percent, operates in the informal sector, often without access to formal insurance or social security. This has resulted in a substantial gap in health coverage.
The talks focused on identifying gaps in health coverage and strategies for creating a sustainable health financing system. Aboubakri Dias, Chief of Staff to the Executive Secretary and leader of the ECA delegation, emphasized that health financing should be viewed as an economic issue, not just a social one. He noted that decreased support from international development partners has exposed weaknesses in health financing across Africa, often leaving families with a heavy financial burden for healthcare.
Dias presented the ECA's Sustainable Health Financing Initiative, which aims to help governments integrate health priorities into economic planning and mobilize domestic resources. The initiative also seeks to improve data systems and explore innovative financing options, such as targeted levies, efficient public spending, and debt-swap agreements. Furthermore, Dias mentioned the potential for regional collaboration to enhance healthcare access and facilitate the movement of health professionals.
Minister Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma stressed the urgency of extending health insurance and social protection to all workers. He highlighted the risks faced by workers in hazardous sectors like mining, which expose them to occupational health issues and injuries. Koroma also referenced the ongoing development of the National Health Sector Strategy Plan 2026-2030, emphasizing the need for frameworks that support workers from all sectors.
Director of Social Protection Duraman Songo noted that many workers lack adequate coverage under current social security measures. He advocated for social protection that encompasses informal employment and better coordination among government bodies. Songo also underscored the importance of information sharing and inclusive consultations to ensure that policies meet workers' needs.
Pamela Kakande, an ECA Statistician, emphasized the importance of reliable data for monitoring labour and social protection policies. This data can help identify coverage gaps and shape effective measures to enhance occupational health and safety. Participants also discussed the institutional arrangements needed for the proposed universal health coverage agency and improved collaboration between the Ministries of Employment, Labour and Social Security and Health.
This engagement is part of the ECA's ongoing consultations with government institutions and stakeholders that began in October 2023. The goal is to enhance health financing, provide better protections for workers, and move towards universal health coverage in Sierra Leone. The discussions mark a significant step towards addressing the health insurance needs of workers in Sierra Leone, particularly those in the informal sector.
Key points
- The ECA and MELSS are exploring ways to expand health insurance and social protection to workers in Sierra Leone's informal sector.
- The Sustainable Health Financing Initiative aims to help governments integrate health priorities into economic planning and mobilize domestic resources.
- Reliable data is crucial for monitoring labour and social protection policies to identify coverage gaps and shape effective measures.
