Daniel Kaitibi, Director General of the National Telecommunications Commission, (NATCOM)
By Amin Kef Sesay
Daniel Kaitibi, who happens to be the Director General of the National Telecommunications Commission, (NATCOM) has resolved, in an amicable manner, the impasse between Qcell Mobile Company and the two other telecommunications companies, Orange and Africell.
He stated, in very sincere terms, that his responsibility is geared towards ensuring quality service delivery to the populace as well as also making sure that a peaceful relationship exists amongst Mobile Network Operators as enshrined in the Telecommunications Act of 2006, as amended.
The result-oriented Director-General of NATCOM gave assurance to the public that under his astute leadership the telecommunications service providers will continue to work in peace for the growth of their businesses and customers’ satisfaction.
In a signed joint communique dated 19th May 2020, all the four Mobile Network Operators, in furtherance of the Commission’s mandate as provided for in Sections 52, 53 and 54 of the Telecommunications Act of 2006, agreed that Africell and Orange Companies immediately interconnect with Qcell on their respective networks.
It was also agreed that all the Mobile Companies should fully comply with the floor price (Le. 590per minute) for off-net and on-net voice calls, adding that they should desist from unnecessary allegations that has the potential to defame the goodwill of other mobile network operators and the regulator.
In order to enforce this communique, they agreed that violators are liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred million Leones.
One of the Civil Society activists that have been calling on NATCOM to facilitate such a move commended the Director General for his stewardship in answering to the call of the public.
Alhassan Conteh, the Spokesman of the Consortium on Services For Citizens said that NATCOM has got the right leadership, but called on him to continue the good work.
Contrary to certain assertions making the rounds in certain circles that the licence of KADCO- Sierra Leone Limited will soon be suspended by the SLPP led Government, however, such has been proven by this medium as a total falsehood that has no iota or semblance of something that will transpire as currently the company does not stand guilty of any violation of laws governing its operations in the country.
KADCO, as a beverage producing company situated at Murray Town, Freetown with outlets all over the city and beyond has assured of its dogged continuation of its operations in the country despite the challenges encountered in the market as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Indisputably, because of the spread of the virus certain major entities have closed down their operations whilst others have downsized their staff due to bad business as a result of the COVID-19.
Management of KADCO, however, has this to say: “We will continue to supply the market to enable our proud customers and consumers of our products to enjoy our quality products.” They continued that the thriving business entity is committed to support the Government and People of Sierra Leone fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result of the Ramadan and COVID-19, KADCO has been making series of donations to underprivileged people in the Murray Town Community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility in addition to the huge amount of cash spent over the years championing various developments projects.
“Our support to the community is to further assure the nation that we are willing to stay and take an active part in Sierra Leone’s development. We have maintained our staff and have put in place good measures to protect them by providing them with enough COVID-19 protective gears and ensured a safe and healthy working environment for them,” Management of KADCO furthered.
KADCO (Sierra Leone) limited as earlier stated, is a beverage producing company that started distillery business in the suburb of Murray Town, Freetown in May 2011, and produces alcoholic, non-alcoholic, milky chocolate, sugar-free and most recently well purified bottled water forming part of its products.
The company is well known for producing the original bitter kola drinks and is the only distillery outfit in Sierra Leone that produces some of its beverages from well-selected plant extracts appreciated widely by the drinking public.
It works closely with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the factory inspectorate of the Ministry of Labor, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to produce quality products in a healthy environment.
Its investments have not only helped in advancing development in its area of operation but the country as a whole where it has provided hundreds of factory jobs to Sierra Leoneans both at top management, middle-level, and lower levels. It has provided a training ground to lots of its staff to boost their capacity in producing beverages.
Through its policy of community investment, KADCO has increased the supply of electricity to much of western Freetown and has established a recycling program that pays cash for returned bottles which are no small feat in a country challenged with proper waste management.
As one of the few genuine investors Sierra Leone can be proud, KADCO has remained steadfast in its investment in Sierra Leone despite the ups and downs the country has gone through.
Investigations conducted have revealed that KADCO has spent billions of Leones on various community development programs including awarding scholarships to deserving pupils, constructing schools, water wells, supporting both Christian and Muslim activities, sporting activities, youth empowerment among many others in its operational areas and even beyond.
KADCO since its inception in Sierra Leone has remained a very law-abiding company that honors all its legal responsibilities including prompt payment of taxes and every other financial and legal obligation to the Government.
On Monday 18, May, 2020 the Fourah Bay College Student Union Government awarded cash prizes and certificates to the first set of winners of their organized Online Writing Competition during an auspicious ceremony held at the college campus.
The Union gave a total of Le1.7 million to the first, second and third runners-up and also presented Certificates of Merit to the fourth and fifth runners-up.
The recipients of these awards were Ishmaila Jalloh, a FBC Diploma 2 student of the Mass Communications Department who bagged the first position and was awarded the sum of Le 1,000,000 , Emmanuel Salia Gaima a FBC LLB 4 student of the Law Department who took the 2nd Position and was awarded the sum of Le 500,000, Emmanuel Suma, of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, Mainstream Year 1 who came 3rd and was awarded the sum of Le 200,000 , Unisa Deen of the FBC Law Department, LLB 4 (Hon. 2) and Anderson Lansana of the Geology Department who took the 4th and 5th positions respectively were awarded Certificates of Merit.
Addressing the gathering, the President of the FBC Student Union, Augustine Bona, commended the winners of the competition but encouraged more female students to participate in future competitions saying it was only few female students that sent in articles.
He noted that the competition is not only meant for male students but rather for both male and female students underscoring that the competition is for every student of Fourah Bay College reiterating how he wants to see female students competing alongside their male counterparts.
He further disclosed that the Online Writing Competition is a great step taken by the Student Union Body to keep students mentally active during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic maintaining how he believes that he has a moral duty to serve the interests of students at all times further noting that the competition is also geared towards achieving their dream of rebuilding Fourah Bay College.
He expressed the view that if FBC is to grow again as a college, they must imbibe in students the fundamental academic practices of which writing is very key.
“We have developed lazy attitudes to imbibe and actualize those practices and that is adversely affecting our standards. We must bring them back and this writing competition is an action to endorse that ,” he asserted.
President Bona extended appreciation to their partners for their tireless efforts they have been expending towards the successes of their children
He ended by calling on potential sponsors to see reason why they should invest their resources to the project which he described as not only important but also timely during a moment like this when the country is been hit by the COVID-19 with the closure of schools and universities across the country as some of the negative effects.
Minister of Education of the FBC Student Union Government, Madam Pleasant Kargbo, also expressed gratitude to the winners of the online writing competition. She disclosed that the Online Writing Competition received a total of two hundred and fifty articles of which thirty scripts were disqualified for not meeting the laid down criteria and two hundred and twenty scripts being processed for the competition.
He noted that it was a rigorous process for the judges but commended them for being up to the task underscoring how she believes that the integrity of the judges demonstrates the credibility of the competition.
Minister of Social Welfare of the FBC Student Union, Abubakarr Dukullay, who also doubled as the chairman for the award ceremony assured the public that the process was very credible and encouraged every student of Fourah Bay College to compete in the future.
Ishmaila Jalloh, of the Mass Communications Department, who took the first position, expressed appreciation to the FBC Student Union body for organizing the writing competition which he said was a move in the right direction for the college as a whole.
He said that he never knew he could attain that feat but was very confident adding that because of the calibre of the judges he saw on the flyer he was convinced that they have the expertise and were fine breeds with unquestionable integrity and wisdom.
He urged colleague students to take the writing competition serious and also sees it as an opportunity to explore the potentials that are in them.
The first set of winners of their organized Online Writing Competition
President of the Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Justice Nicholas Brown-Marke handing over the Food items to the Chief of Staff of the COVID-19 Response Team, Solomon Caulker
By Amin Kef Sesay
In a bid to complement Government’s efforts geared towards combating COVID-19 in the country, the Freetown Junior Dinner Club has on Wednesday 20th May, 2020 donated a consignment of food items worth millions of Leones to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The donated items include 35 Bags of Rice (25kg), 250 Bundles of water, 7 Bags of Onion, 20 Gallons of Padi Cooking Oil etc. The handing over ceremony took place at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) situated at SLFA compound in Kingtom, Freetown.
Present at the ceremony were the Chief of Staff of the COVID-19 Response Team, Solomon Caulker, President of the Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Justice Nicholas Brown-Marke, the Treasurer of Steward Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Kobi Walker, Assistant Treasurer Steward Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Benonie Macaulay, Deputy Lead for Transport and Logistics of the COVID-19 Response Team, Abdul Karim Turay etc.
Presenting the items to the EOC, President of the Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Nicolas Brown-Marke, expressed appreciation to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for the tireless efforts they have been putting towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, adding that as a club they decided to come together in order to support the fight saying in that regard they contributed among themselves and what they were able to raise was what they used to purchase the consignment of food items which they donated further affirming that they believe the items will be used to supply those who are quarantined.
He said two years ago when he became President of the Freetown Junior Dinner Club he decided that they should also engage in assisting the less privileged in society. He assured of their club’s continuous support towards the fight against the coronavirus in the country and in helping the less privileged.
He admonished all to adhere to the preventives measures in order to curtail the spread of the virus in the country saying such will enhance the country’s potency to have an upper hand over COVID-19.
Receiving the items, Chief of Staff of the Covid-19 Response Team, Solomon Caulker, expressed appreciation to the Freetown Junior Dinner Club for the kind gesture which he described as very timely.
He said the items will help greatly towards curtailing the spread of the coronavirus and assured them that they will be used for the intended purpose and target the right beneficiaries.
In another development, the Freetown Junior Dinner Club on the same day also extended a kind gesture to the St. Georges Home for the Aged at Grafton in Freetown were they donated Bags of Rice, Bags of Sugar, Bundles of water, Gallons of Padi Cooking Oil etc.
President of the Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Nicolas Brown-Marke, informed them that they have just made a similar donation to the EOC in order to support the fight against the COVID-19 in the country, adding that inasmuch as they supported the EOC they also thought it fit to donate these food items to the Sierra Leone Society for the Welfare of the Aged commonly known as the St Georges Home for the Aged. He assured the Home of their continuous support.
On his part, Treasurer Steward of the Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Kobi Walker, disclosed that the Club comprises members at home and abroad furthering how it is exclusively a male club.
He expressed delight over the donation to the Home of the food items which included 15 Bags of Rice, 50 Bundles of Water, 5 Boxes of Soap, 1 Bag of Sugar, 3 Bags of Onion etc. as a small token to support them during this trial time in the country.
He extended appreciation to certain members in the Diaspora like Tunde Ezekiel John and Dr. Roberts for their tireless contributions in making this donation a success.
Home Manager of St Georges Home for the Aged, Christiana John, expressed appreciation to the Freetown Junior Dinner Club for the donation, adding that such a gesture has made residents of the Home feel happy also assuring them that the items will be used for the intended purpose.
President of the Freetown Junior Dinner Club, Justice Nicholas Brown-Marke handing over the Food Items to the Home Manager of St Georges Home for the Aged, Christiana John
Over the weekend, the Executive Director, Tommy Vandi and Staff of the Community Development Initiative Sierra Leone (ComDI-SL) donated a huge consignment of food and non-food items to the people of FanimaFoya Village in the Bo District.
Bags of rice, veronica buckets, cartoons of Maggie, facemasks and liquid soap for hand washing were among the donated items.
From what was learnt the donation came in the wake of a visit by Reverend Father Von Tucker during one of their outreach sessions to vulnerable communities in Bo District.
Tommy Vandi said the donation was part of their organization’s unflinching support towards the fight against the deadly corona virus which, he said, has already caused considerable number of deaths in Sierra Leone and the world at large. He used the opportunity to educate the people about the dreadful nature of the COVID 19 and in one of their responses, the beneficiaries said he is the first person apart from radio programmes to sensitize them about the transmission and precautionary measures about the corona virus.
Mr.Vandi intimated his audience that as an organization, they are privy to some ailing concerns of the community people among which he said included lack of toilet and hand dug water facilities in the entire village.
This, he stressed, is a dire concern that needs to be addressed immediately and promised all and sundry present to be of further assistance to them when funds are available and also urged them to take all necessary precautions towards protecting themselves and their families.
One of the ComDI–SL Board Members, Mr. Williams encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the donated items and to help join in the fight to ensure a corona free community.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the community, Town Chief, Francis Sandi, profusely showered thanks and appreciation on the ComDI-SL entourage for the gesture which, he said, was least expected yet widely appreciated. He stressed that their community is predominantly a farming community where the residents eke their living through subsistence farming which he further stated has been disturbed following the outbreak of the Corona scourge.
He lamented over the deplorable state of affairs in the village which he said is further worsened by the lack of clean drinking water, lack of toilet facilities and urged the Executive Director to always consider them where possible.
The ComDI-SL Executive Director also made similar donation to the Youths at Y-Junction.
Demonstration on the proper use of face masks and hand washing climaxed the ceremony.
The indomitable National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) still continues to maintain its unshakeable position within the petroleum marketing landscape of this country. The company is making steady progress with regards giving its numerous customers around the country the best in terms of petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants among which there is the popular Castrol oil which many have attested is very good in keeping engines in proper working order.
Besides putting timely arrangements in place for the importation of petroleum products, the company has bagged wide ranging accolades for its reliable service delivery which is coated in its customer care portfolio. The company is renowned for 1st for Customer Care as it is on record for giving optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers.
In that regard, the Shareholders and Management thought it fit to be very transparent in the company’s transactions of petroleum products, which was why they decided to import sophisticated and state of the art calibrated pumping machines highly capable of pumping the exact quantity of fuel demanded and at the same time display the price. What this means is that whenever customers purchase petrol or diesel they derive value for money and feel very satisfied.
That period was a turning point or a marked departure from the past when certain oil marketing companies were using, and even at this stage still using old pumping machines generating a lot of grumblings from purchasers that they are being cheated.
When it comes to adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy, the company has since its inception tenaciously implemented it to the letter. This could probably be dictated by the fact that NP-Sierra Leone Limited was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans who were former workers of the British Petroleum (BP) Company.
BP sold its shares to then Government of Sierra Leone but the latter was advised to sell its shares and that was how these 35 Sierra Leoneans came to purchase shares that culminated into the establishment of NP-SL Ltd. In essence the company is truly an indigenous business entity. From that time onwards, the Shareholders made it a laid down policy to exclusively employ Sierra Leoneans except on rare occasions when expatriates are needed to perform highly specialized tasks.
The good thing about this policy is that it has helped greatly towards offering jobs to those who were hitherto unemployed and by extension contributed in poverty reduction. In addition, the policy avails the beneficiaries the opportunity to imbibe very significant skills which has so far transformed them to become professionals in their areas of operations.
To simplify the mode of purchasing petroleum products, Management thought it prudent to use the latest technology which will make it very convenient when doing so. NP Smart Card was introduced which has a memory chip that is capable to register what is imputed and also displaying what is debited. In other words, it is a device which can be loaded with a certain amount of money and when used to purchase fuel the exact amount used is deducted and what remains is displayed.
NP Smart Card gives the owner the advantage to budget for fuel consumption over a period of time. What this means is that if an individual decides to budget for fuel for a period of one month then he or she has the choice to load his or her NP Smart Card with the amount of money that will last him or her for that period. It further means it will prevent an individual from encountering deficit due to unforeseen contingencies. Moreover, a particular individual could be saved the hassle of having to be popping into the Bank to make withdrawals mainly for the purpose of buying fuel. NP Card is indeed trending.
NP Gas is also gaining wide momentum in sales as a result of its quick and good performance for cooking purpose. Besides, environmentalists have recommended it for its less hazardous disadvantage to one’s health compared to the use of wood and charcoal which have been confirmed are also depleting the ecosystem. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas could be easily secured at the company’s Filling Stations or from its authorized dealers and they are going at affordable prices. According to what those who are using it have attested there are no regrets when one uses it and the gas to refill it can be secured from NP stations.
The company has been very steadfast in rolling out its corporate social responsibility and has championed so many worthy causes as its recent donation of the huge sum of One Billion Leones to the Government through the Emergency Operations Centre in the fight against the ongoing corona virus. Indeed, the donation was highly appreciated as it will contribute greatly towards the ongoing battle.
In short, it can be said with all amount of certainty that NP-SL Ltd is not only assuaging the petroleum needs of the populace but also contributing significantly towards the socio-economic development of this nation.
In a meeting held between President Dr Julius Maada Bio and Members of the Diplomatic Community in Sierra Leone on the 21st May 2020 at the Presidential Lodge at Hill Station, he first shared Ramadan greetings and pray that the fullness of the blessings of the month be granted to all members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in Sierra Leone.
The President said during this difficult moment of the Coronavirus pandemic he is thanking everyone present for promptly responding to his invitation to a meeting.
President Bio said he salutes and associates strongly with focused and intensive multilateral global efforts by countries and international organizations including the United Nations, the WHO, the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and ECOWAS, among others, in battling the highly infectious and deadly pandemic.
“On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I wish to express my sincere condolences to families in all of our countries that have lost their citizens and loved ones to this deadly pandemic,” he bemoaned adding that Sierra Leone is committed to all global efforts at preventing, protecting against, and curtailing COVID-19.
The First Gentleman underscored how Sierra Leone is fully supportive of global initiatives to enhance health security and build capacities for responding to health emergencies, especially disease outbreaks that are threatening global development.
Dilating on COVID 19 the President told Members of the Diplomatic Corps that Sierra Leone’s response to COVID-19 was early and well-considered saying even before the country’s index case, Government and partners had triggered off healthcare protocols, reactivated all EOC pillars, and set up structures for quarantining, testing, disease surveillance, contract tracing, and isolation and treatment centres.
“Our technical and resource capacities have been further bolstered with generous support from our friends and diplomatic partners. For that, we are most grateful,” he highlighted
He intimated that inasmuch as the COVID-19 is here, he wishes to remind partners that our healthcare facilities are in great need of necessary medical supplies, equipment, and infrastructure as we continue to deal with Maternal and child health, malaria, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other disease conditions.
The President said with regards to COVID-19, they have garnered and used mainly local resources to support the different pillars adding that the country’s medical personnel have recorded impressive successes and have also used innovative technology solutions as well as other strategies further appealing for support in specific areas:
Co-leadership on driving coordination among various pillars and support and strengthening specific pillars within the EOC – testing, logistics, quarantine administration, risk communications and social mobilisation, and contact tracing.
Support for local research and development especially with local partners like DSTI
Support for surveillance and contact tracing so that the fight is informed by consistent and real-time data. He said to complement local technology solutions and personnel capacity, they would like to equip workers with devices such as tablets and phones.
On the economy, the President said they have launched a Quick Action Economic Recovery Plan, details of which they will share with them. He said generally, responses have been favourable although further interventions by the country’s development partners will help stabilise the economic situation and prepare the country for a smoother take-off at the end of COVID.
Dilating on peace and security he said they are all aware of the recent unfortunate incidents of criminal violence in Lunsar, Tombo, Foredugu, and Pademba Road Correctional Centre stating that Government has a responsibility to ensure law and order throughout the country.
He maintained that those who incite, support, perpetuate, or benefit from such criminal violence are not making peaceful political expressions.
The Chief Executive noted that as moral guarantors of the peace the country they are enjoying in Sierra Leone, they do expect an unambiguous condemnation of such criminal violence from the country’s development partners.
President Bio said every State the world over (including the UK, US etc) delegitimizes the use of criminal violence by persons or groups to intimidate the public and upend the rule of law furthering where such directly targets State authority and the rule of law,it is declared an act of terrorism against the State.
“I am sure you will agree that such criminal violence that endangers life and property, public safety, or interferes with the peaceful governance of the State is unacceptable and must be addressed within the confines of the laws of this country,” he reasoned with the Diplomats.
He said beyond condemnation of such criminal violence against the State and State authority, his Government expect its partners to cooperate very closely in supporting peace, public safety, and security at all levels and at all times.
According to the Chief Executive Officer, investigations have identified members of the All People’s Congress party including a former Member of Parliament of that party as being responsible for incitement and acts of violence adding how one would expect the APC to condemn and dissociate itself from such persons and their acts stressing how they have yet to do so.
He said as Government, they have initiated dialogue on national cohesion and peacebuilding and have engaged the leadership of the APC.
“We are open to further dialogue with clear objectives of making permanent peace. We expect you, the moral guarantors of our peace and our partners in development, to patiently urge the APC to cooperate and participate in dialogue that brings about a permanent cessation of all acts of hostility and criminal violence against the State. We believe it is best for Sierra Leone and for the future of Sierra Leone that partners continue to invest in peacebuilding,” he appealed.
He said his Government has also met with Civil Society and they have agreed on a permanent framework for identifying structural and other imbalances that have triggered and could trigger conflict in the country.
He revealed how he appointed the Honourable Vice President (who has extensive national and international civil society credentials) to work closely with Civil Society on those and other issues pertaining to further opening up democratic and civic spaces adding that they will invite Diplomats, the country’s international partners, to actively participate in those dialogues.
In his conclusion, President Bio thanked the International Community for standing by the country stating that he believes that by heightening and broadening future cooperation, they will all make Sierra Leone what they all desire – a favourable destination for business, and a peaceful and well-governed State where the rule of law is supreme also thanking them.
During her opening statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Nabeela Tunis, thanked the diplomats for honouring the invitation to meet and discuss issues of great importance to their individual and collective partnerships.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Ibrahim Habis Ugbada, appreciated President Bio for the efforts in curbing the COVID-19 in the country, saying that because of his standing qualities, the spread of the virus in the country had been slow. He also commended the government for its good work and assured of their availability at all times in every aspect of development and support to the government.
Resident Coordinator for the United Nations, Sunil Saigal, said that they condemned and would continue to condemn all forms of violence, adding that the focus of everyone should be on fighting the COVID-19 and to make sure it did not have a further negative impact on society. He also called on all political parties to refrain from violence of all sorts and support the national efforts in fighting the virus.
Head of European Union Delegation, Tom Vens, commended the President for his engagement with leaders of civil society groups, noting that they were encouraged by the initiative and leadership shown by the President in creating space for dialogue with CSOs. He said that as partners they were against any act of violence or intimidation that was standing in the way of the country moving forward.
Launch of the #EUStandsWithSalone – Supporting Freetonians confront COVID-19
There are over 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, with about 80 % of those in the current epicenter of Freetown. Freetown indeed faces an acute threat due to the density of its population. Through the generous financial support from the European Union, a consortium of CSOs led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – in coordination with the Freetown City Council (FCC) – on 23 April 2020 started the “#EUStandsWithSalone – Supporting Freetonians confront COVID-19’’ action.
This action is designed to support the Government’s response and the Freetown COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan managed by the FCC. The 12-month action is valued at 2.23 million Euros (23.6 trillion SLL).
The activities of this action seek to help Freetown residents effectively respond to COVID-19 and to meet the needs of the most vulnerable segments in society: the estimated 350,000 residents of the 68 informal urban settlements. The action will ensure they are informed about updates and best practices related to COVID-19 and that they benefit from sustainable water access, sanitation services, dignified quarantine and improved pediatric and maternal health as well as services for women and children who are victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
More specifically, the action will contribute to the upgrading of health facilities and the creation of two new basic emergency obstetric and newborn care facilities to ensure pregnant and lactating mothers and their babies receive dedicated and adequate health care even at most difficult times. It will equip and manage three new isolation & containment centers and support effective community level contact tracing for confirmed cases, notably in the slums.
To contain the spread of the virus, the action will support 1-year provision of water and sanitation, hand-cleaning and personal protective equipment (masks, gloves) to the city public health units (PHU), isolation centers and public markets. It will ensure that the 42 public markets of Freetown are regularly disinfected and adopt physical distancing and emergency protocols. Face masks are being provided to all the municipal market vendors and their children. By joining the #MaskUpFreetown and #MaskUpSierraLeone campaigns by Madam Wokie and Izelia Fashion Houses, the action contributes to the production of masks and their distribution to the most vulnerable.
In view of further supporting public health, food security and resilience of Freetonians, the action will also contribute to drainage cleaning and flood mitigation measures, as well as urban farming pilots.
The action will be managed by the consortium manager Catholic Relief Services, and implemented under the coordination of the Freetown City Council by the local organizations Caritas Freetown (CF), Federation of Rural and Urban Poor/ Centre of Dialogue on Human Settlement and Poverty Alleviation (FEDURP/ CODOHSAPA), the Sierra Leone Red Cross (SLRC) and the Aberdeen Women’s Center (AWC).
All activities will coordinate with relevant ministries and development agencies and ensure strict adherence with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) directives and recommendations.
A press release issued on 18th May, 2020 by the Guild of Newspaper Editors (SL) states that it is deeply concerned over the content of a press release dated 15th May, 2020 issued by the Clerk of Parliament setting eligibility criteria for journalists who wish to be accredited to report parliamentary proceedings.
According to the Guild of Editors, ‘the release demands that the following documents will be required of every journalist wishing to be accredited by the Parliamentary Media Accreditation Committee:- CV and photocopies of relevant documents;- Academic qualification of at least a diploma in Mass Communication/Journalism or any other discipline from a recognized University/College;- Media practitioner for at least a period of two years; – Photocopy of a valid operational license granted by the IMC;- in addition to being a member of SLAJ or having practiced for several years is an advantage;
According to the release, ‘While the Guild understands the need for credible and accurate reporting of parliamentary proceedings, we note that setting out such eligibility criteria for journalists is tantamount to an unjustified restriction of their access to parliamentary proceedings.’
It added: ‘There are journalistic associations such as the Guild of Newspaper Editors, the Sierra Leone Reporters Union, the Parliamentary Press Gallery, and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists which assist in regulating the conduct and practice of journalists in Sierra Leone. There is also the Independent Media Commission, a body set up by an Act of Parliament, to regulate the media.’
The Guild of Editors’ press release added that, ‘Additionally, we wish to draw the attention of the Clerk of Parliament to Section 25 (1) of the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone, which states as follows: “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, and for the purpose of this section, the said freedom includes the freedom to hold opinion and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, freedom from interference with his correspondence…”
The release went on to state that ‘the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which Sierra Leone is a signatory and many other international human rights instruments guarantee citizens’ right to hold their government to account.’
It maintained that ‘it is our considered position, therefore, that the eligibility criteria set out by the Clerk of Parliament should be the sole function of SLAJ or any of the professional bodies regulating journalists in Sierra Leone.
‘Consequently, the Guild of Newspaper Editors views the latest request by Parliament as a form of censorship and a calculated attempt to muzzle free and independent press in Sierra Leone. The Guild of Newspaper Editors, therefore, calls for an immediate review of the eligibility criteria set out in the aforementioned press release with the view to granting journalists an unfettered access to parliamentary proceedings.’
The release signed by Chairman, Guild of Editors, Donald Theo Harding noted that ‘The Guild of Editors and its members commit themselves to:
– Defend and promote media freedom and editorial independence.
– Promote quality and ethical journalism.
– Provide a forum for sharing ideas and experiences that are critical in and for the media.’
As a show of commitment to the global effort to eliminate malaria, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and partners will distribute free of cost over 4.6 million long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets to households nationwide from the 22nd to the 31st May 2020.
Giving an overview of the Integrated LLIN mass distribution campaign and house to house Family Sensitization on Covid-19 Prevention at a Press Conference at the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) conference hall, 8th floor Youyi Building on Thursday 14th May, 2020, the Director, Disease Prevention and Control Dr. Smith disclosed that the type of insecticide treated nets that will be distributed is Pyrethorid-PBO nets containing a synergist (piperonylbutoxide PBO) meant to address the problems related to insecticide resistance in Sierra Leone.
He said Sierra Leone is the first country in Africa, if not the entire world, to distribute PBO nets throughout the country, adding that this is in addition to the fact that malaria treatment in all public health facilities continue to be free.
He pointed out that the major objective of distributing the bed nets nationwide is to move Sierra Leone towards Universal Coverage with 80% of people sleeping under an insecticide treated nets while contributing to the reduction of malaria-related morbidity in Sierra Leone in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The campaign, he said, will undoubtedly help to contribute towards the prevention and containment of Covid-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone.
14 districts covering 149 chiefdoms and 20 zones in Western Area Urban and 10 Zones in Western Area Rural will be targeted.
He said they will not distribute in the Western Area during this time, because it is the Covid-19 hotspot, but that will be done later.
Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation I, Dr. Anthony Augustine Sandi, described the mass distribution of long lasting insecticide treated bed nets as one of the strategies identified in the President’s Priorities for Health and part of the Ministry’s Health Performance Tracking Tools.
He continued to say that Malaria, though preventable, still remains a major public health problem in Africa and Sierra Leone in particular and constitutes a major barrier to social and economic development.
“The entire population in Sierra Leone is at risk of malaria while children and pregnant women are seen to be particularly susceptible and more vulnerable to this disease. This calls for a sober reflection and underscores the need to use the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine where we need to redouble our efforts at all levels.”
This preventable and treatable disease continues to kill one child every 2 minute for lack of simple, cost-effective tools like an insecticide-treated net or a simple course of effective treatment.
He disclosed that in Sierra Leone, malaria remains one of the prime causes of death among children and the biggest cause for medical consultation and hospitalisation. Malaria is responsible for 47% of the out-patient visits by children under five years to health facilities, malaria accounts for 38% of the out-patient visits for all ages to health facilities; malaria accounts for 37.6% of all hospitalisation; malaria accounts for 35.3% of death in children under five years, and 20.5% of death attributed to malaria for all ages.
“Similarly, pregnant women suffer from malaria, which contributes to maternal anaemia, low birth weight, stillbirths, abortions and other pregnancy-related complications.”
Malaria, he emphasised, continues to cause suffering and dismantle families as it has an immense economic toll and is a major block to all forms of development.
Dr. Sandi added that from 2010 to 2018, the number of deaths was more than halved and the number of malaria cases dropped by 20%, indicating that with the right interventions and multi-sectoral commitments further progress is possible. “We cannot let this incredible progress be undermined by the coronavirus pandemic and must maintain and accelerate progress towards malaria elimination with more determination than ever.”
RushnanMurtaza, UNICEF Deputy Representative, said this distribution of mosquito nets will no doubt contribute towards the reduction of the malaria disease which happens to be the biggest killer disease among pregnant women and children under the age of 5.
“I would like to start by congratulating the Government of Sierra Leone for the positive efforts to reduce deaths and illness due to malaria in the country. Over the past two decades, the National Malaria Control Programme of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with partners have worked to dramatically prevent and control the disease, and progress is tangible and visible in communities.”
She pointed out that despite the progress, the incidence of malaria in Sierra Leone is still worrying. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2017, malaria is responsible for 47% of the outpatient visits by children under five years and account for 38% of outpatient visits for all ages to health facilities.
“The reality and burden of malaria becomes very apparent at the children’s wards of hospitals across the country, where the nurses and doctors fight hard daily to save the lives of children who have malaria. Each death is a tragedy, which is felt strongest when one sees the mourning family members trying to cope with the loss.”
He continue to say, sadly, deaths due to malaria might continue to rise during the current times of COVID-19, when there are some disruptions to regular anti-malaria programmes, preventing the rate of infection is therefore one of the main principles interventions in the country’s malaria programme.
That is why it is a welcome initiative to be distributing bed nets to pregnant women and children under five – the two groups most at risk. Specifically, the campaign aims to reach 95% of households with up to 3 bed nets and to also empower communities with correct information of the use of the nets.
Already UNICEF has procured and distributed 1458 veronica buckets, which have been received by District Health Management Teams ahead of the campaign and which will help to ensure that good hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap is maintained at all distribution sites. Additional to that, a total 1 784 COVID-19 social mobilisers, who include (Community Health Workers and volunteers), have been selected and will be trained to participate in the integrated house to house sensitization activities.
She thanked the Government of Sierra Leone and especially the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for their dynamic leadership in the malaria programme and also acknowledged with thanks, the great cooperation and support from their international partners, the Global Fund and PMI /USAID financed, who have supported the procurement and delivery of the LLINs for the campaign.
The mosquito nets will be distributed to people in Sierra Leone, district by district, chiefdom by chiefdom, sector by sector, village by village and house to house and the formula of two people per bed nets as a strategy to reduce malaria incidence in the country.
