Addressing healthcare professionals and officials at the inauguration of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) Hotel and Conference Centre on October 30, 2024, Dr. Melchior Athanase Joël C. Aissi, Director General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), pledged ECOWAS’s continued support for advancing healthcare systems across the region.

The newly launched facility in Abuja is intended to bolster collaboration among medical professionals, offering dedicated spaces for seminars, conferences, congresses, and private receptions.

Dr. Aissi commended WACP’s leadership for its dedication to healthcare progress, noting that the establishment of the new complex would enable WACP to enhance its service to West Africa’s medical community.

“WAHO remains committed to working closely with WACP to strengthen our healthcare systems, and we assure you of ECOWAS’s steadfast support,” he stated. He further highlighted WACP’s critical role in advising on healthcare policy and assisting with the harmonization of postgraduate medical qualifications across ECOWAS countries, a key initiative to ensure consistent healthcare standards across the sub-region.

The inauguration coincides with the 48th Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) of WACP, an event that brings together health leaders from across 13 ECOWAS member states under the theme, “Strengthening Healthcare Systems in West Africa: Opportunities and Challenges.” WACP, established in 1976, is a key institution for medical training and research, providing membership and fellowship to qualified physicians and supporting advancements in medical practice and education across West Africa. Dr. Aissi noted that ECOWAS, through WAHO, will continue to partner with WACP to elevate healthcare standards across the region.