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Sierra Leone Receives 550,000 Doses of WHO-Approved Malaria Vaccine

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone has reached a crucial juncture in its fight against malaria with the arrival of a groundbreaking shipment of the WHO-endorsed malaria vaccine. Collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi, Sierra Leone marked December 15, 2023, as a monumental day as more than 550,000 doses of the WHO-approved malaria vaccine were received.

Led by Dr. Innocent Bright Nuwagira, the WHO Country Representative, and joined by key figures such as Health Minister, Dr. Austin Demby, along with Deputy Ministers Dr. Charles Senessie and Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, Sierra Leone welcomed this shipment as a pivotal moment in its battle against malaria, a disease significantly impacting public health in Africa.

Joining the ranks of Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, and Uganda, Sierra Leone is set to integrate this vaccine into its routine immunization programs. Building upon successful implementations in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, where over 1.7 million children have received the vaccine since 2019 through the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program (MVIP), Sierra Leone aims to replicate this success.

The initial allocation of 18 million doses, facilitated by WHO, Gavi, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNICEF, and Unitaid, signifies a pivotal step in extending this life-saving intervention to Sierra Leone’s vulnerable populations. In tandem with the vaccine, Sierra Leone remains committed to employing preventive measures like insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and widespread malaria testing.

With over two million annual hospital visits attributed to malaria in Sierra Leone, the arrival of these vaccines promises a transformative reduction in hospital visits, admissions, and most critically, malaria-related deaths.

The significance of this WHO-approved malaria vaccine transcends its immediate impact; it represents a beacon of hope for families and communities, heralding a breakthrough in child health and survival. The initial doses are strategically prioritized for the most vulnerable children, aiming to address health disparities and safeguard young lives.

Dr. Demby, the Health Minister, highlighted, “The high demand for the vaccine and the strong reach of childhood immunization will increase equity in access to malaria prevention and save many young lives. We will work tirelessly to increase supply until all children at risk have access.”

Dr. Innocent Nuwagira, the WHO Representative, affirmed the vaccine’s WHO approval and encouraged its widespread acceptance for optimized use. He assured continuous support from WHO in planning, preparations, and the rollout of the vaccine in early 2024, underscoring its potential as a game-changer in Sierra Leone’s malaria fight.

This support from WHO aligns with substantial technical and financial aid received from GAVI, GIZ, WHO AFRO, and others. These efforts include aiding the government’s reactive campaign against measles, conducting an EPI Comprehensive review, supporting a population-based EPI Survey, mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and establishing the Child Health Program, all aimed at reducing child and maternal deaths in Sierra Leone.

As Sierra Leone gears up for the early 2024 rollout of the malaria vaccine, the nation remains united in its dedication to shaping a healthier, malaria-free future for its children. The collaboration between global organizations and local authorities stands as a testament to the potency of collective action in advancing global health initiatives.

President Bio Extols Chinese Medical Team’s Role in Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 Triumph

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio warmly received the 24th Chinese Medical Team on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, acknowledging their pivotal role in the country’s successful battle against COVID-19.

Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, presented Ambassador Wang Qing of the People’s Republic of China and the medical team to the President. Dr. Demby highlighted China’s enduring support, emphasizing the 60-year history of the Chinese government sending medical aid globally, with Sierra Leone benefiting from this benevolence for 50 years.

His Excellency expressed delight at the extensive support from the People’s Republic of China since 1973, detailing the significant impact: 24 medical teams dispatched, treating over 1 million people, performing 200,000 surgeries, and training 5,000 health workers in Sierra Leone.

President Bio vividly recounted the initial challenges faced during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, citing the limited medical infrastructure with only a 30-bed treatment center at the 34 Military Hospital—a facility donated by the Chinese Government. He acknowledged China’s swift response, being among the first to provide COVID-19 vaccines and medical equipment to Sierra Leone.

Expressing enduring gratitude, President Bio emphasized the depth of the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and China, spanning over half a century. He assured that Sierra Leone values this enduring bilateral relationship.

In extending a warm welcome to the 24th Chinese Medical Team, President Bio expressed hope that the current cohort, including the 7th Chinese Military Expert Medical Group and the 8th China CDC Biosafety Lab Expert, would carry back fond memories of Sierra Leone’s beauty and its hospitable populace.

Furthermore, President Bio commended China for its exceptional 50-year commitment to medical charity in Sierra Leone, on behalf of the government and its citizens.

Ambassador Wang, leading the Chinese delegation, highlighted 2023 as a significant milestone, marking the 50th anniversary of China’s dispatching of medical teams to Sierra Leone. He emphasized the substantial impact of this long-standing relationship in enhancing the country’s public health infrastructure, including the construction of health facilities, health worker training, and the provision of medical equipment.

The President and Ambassador Wang echoed mutual appreciation for the enduring cooperation and emphasized the significant strides achieved in bolstering Sierra Leone’s healthcare system through this longstanding partnership.

SLAJ & New UNDP Resident Rep Discuss Collaborative Efforts for Media Enhancement

Members of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), led by the President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla and its affiliate bodies held an engagement with the New UNPD Resident Representative, Frederick Hans Ampiah and his core team at his office in Freetown.

Nasralla briefed the UNDP Resident Representative and his team on SLAJ and the media landscape in Sierra Leone touching on the merits and demerits of media pluralism as well as other areas that include media ownership, media poverty and reporters’ welfare, media viability and sustainability, media freedom and responsibility, countering disinformation, misinformation, fake news and hate speech. He mentioned the strides SLAJ, its local and international partners and the Government are making towards media development.

The President of SLAJ revealed the establishment of the National Fund for Public Interest Media saying its aim is to promote public interest and accountability journalism. He added that the SLAJ Media Manifesto (The Media We Want) is the Association’s ‘strategic development plan’ and a ‘guidebook’ for media development interventions in the country.

He emphasized on the need for what he calls a ‘strategic partnership’ between SLAJ and the UNDP to promote development journalism in such areas as the Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change.

“The media should not be seen as a mere outlet for the dissemination of development news but as a key partner in planning and driving that development,” said Nasralla and assured the UNDP boss of the full cooperation of SLAJ.

In response, the UNDP Resident Representative said he now has a fair understanding of the media landscape in the country beyond reading the newspapers. He expressed his desire to work with SLAJ and the Media through supporting capacity building in line with specialized reporting, development Journalism and promoting media sustainability initiatives.

“Let me reaffirm the UNDP’s commitment during my term here to strengthen the media in Sierra Leone to drive positive change and amplify the voices shaping Sierra Leone’s future. We are proud to partner with SLAJ and others for media development. We will also be involved with the SLAJ Annual Media Awards as part of our contribution to promoting professionalism and excellence in the media,” said Ampiah.

Ampiah highlighted four things that he would like SLAJ and the media to prioritize: Coordination and partnerships within and outside the media and civic space; interfacing with other non-media organizations and spaces exploring partnerships and engaging differently at different levels.

He talked about taking hold of the development space by making sure the media is not treated as an afterthought in the national development agenda but as part of the development communications policy and ensuring the media is involved from the word go.

According to him, there is the need for specialization to promote analytical and in-depth reporting in critical areas like climate change, the environment, health, agriculture and development initiatives.

The last one , he said, is capacity building geared towards maintaining professionalism, responsible and ethical reporting.

Meanwhile, Ampiah commended SLAJ’s relationship with the other media stakeholders, noting that in some countries, it is difficult to have different media groups all sitting at a table to discuss in a peaceful way matters affecting them. He also encouraged SLAJ to coordinate with other sector players, like the private sector, for a vibrant media landscape.

Africa Branding Agency Launches Young Leadership Award & National Conference 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a ground-breaking move to spotlight outstanding leadership and achievements across various sectors in the country, the Africa Branding Agency (ABrA) in partnership with the National Youth Commission, House of Parliament and the West Africa Women’s & Girls Empowerment has on Monday 18th December, 2023 proudly inaugurated the Young Leadership Award of Excellence and National Young Leadership Conference 2024 at Tees Shopping Mall, on Wilkinson Road in Freetown.

Declaring the purpose of the gathering, the Executive Director of the Africa Branding Agency, Abdul Wahab Bangura, said the Young Leadership Award of Excellence and National Young Leadership Conference 2024 seeks to acknowledge exceptional leaders making significant strides in their respective fields.

He said that they have been acknowledging exceptional leaders for years now, adding that in 2020 they unveiled the Young Leadership Award of Excellence in order to recognize young people that are doing exceptionally well in all walks of life.

Abdul Wahab Bangura pointed out that the idea is also borne out of the immense involvement of young people in leadership roles over the years saying they have been contributing to nation building and as such deemed it fit to recognize their contributions in the country.

He further revealed that aside from those in leadership positions they will also recognize other young people who are also doing well in other areas such as entertainment, entrepreneurship, the media etc.

Reading a Press Statement, the Public Relations Officer at the Africa Branding Agency Brand Salone, Foday Ansumana, pointed out how the business entity is a leading events management planning corporate institution that possesses unparalleled expertise and knowledge-based skills dedicated to showcasing Africa on the global stage.

He added that through institutional reform-based recognition, ABrA is committed to fostering cooperation among African nations in business, economic development and political leadership.

Foday Ansumana revealed that in a notable stride towards actualization of this vision, ABrA is set to host the inaugural ‘Young Leadership Award of Excellence’ in the House of Parliament.

He described the event as one that will be a historic milestone in the quest for effective and efficient youth representation in governance, stating that the award ceremony will honor outstanding young leaders in Sierra Leone, spanning politics, philanthropy, business, institutional leadership, and more, whose remarkable contributions have earned them positions of trust in the nation.

“The epoch-making One-Day Conference and Award Ceremony is scheduled for January 20, 2024, commencing at 4:00 PM. This momentous occasion is a collaborative effort between Africa Branding Agency, Brand Salone, and the West Africa Women & Girls Empowerment, working in partnership with the Sierra Leonean Government through the National Youth Commission,” he further revealed.

He said that the Young Leadership Award of Excellence, an annual gathering of professionals and leaders, serves as a platform for information exchange, professional development, and networking. Positioned as a beacon of hope, the award ceremony is poised to contribute to the regularization of youth representation in governance.

He encouraged all to make further enquiries by visiting their official desk at #1 Old Railway Line, Brookfield’s, Freetown, Sierra Leone, or contact them via email at africabranding2023@gmail.com. Alternatively, the Head of Communications, Media & Public Relations could be contacted at +232 78 860099 or +232 76 111311.

Closing the ceremony was the officially launch and unveiling of  the Young Leadership Award of Excellence and National Young Leadership Conference 2024 by the Chief Executive Officer of Nando Empire, Salifou Finando.

FG Gold Secures $55 Million Mezzanine Finance & EPCM Agreements for Baomahun Gold Project

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a significant development for the mining sector in Sierra Leone, FG Gold Limited announced the signing of a Mezzanine Finance Facility worth US$55 million with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Engineering Procurement Construction Management (EPCM) Agreements with Lycopodium Minerals Canada Limited on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The ceremony was held at the River Annex Hall at Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.

This strategic move aims to facilitate both the structural machinery and financial requirements for the operationalization of the Baomahun Gold site in Bo and Tonkolili Districts concurrently. The mezzanine financing from AFC builds on the existing US$45 million stream investment, resulting in a total quasi equity of US$100 million dedicated to the project.

The injection of funds allows FG Gold to accelerate construction activities and fulfill orders for essential equipment packages. Most notably, this financial boost ensures that FG Gold adheres to its schedule, with the goal of achieving the first gold pour by December 2025.

Lycopodium Minerals Canada Limited (“LMCL”) emerged as the preferred bidder during the competitive tender process initiated by FG Gold in August 2022. The process invited six potential bidders to submit quotations for the EPCM of the Baomahun Gold Project.

FG Gold, with a primary focus on the development of its flagship gold project, the Baomahun Gold mine in Sierra Leone, positions itself as one of the largest pre-production gold assets in Africa. The project, already underway with early infrastructure construction, is expected to witness its first gold pour in 2025.

Situated approximately 200km east of the capital Freetown, in the Valunia and Kunike Barina Chiefdoms of Bo and Tonkolili Districts, the Baomahun Gold Project holds full licenses and permits, emphasizing its commitment to responsible and regulated mining practices.

Executive Chairman of FG Gold, Oliver Tunde Andrews, expressed the company’s needs from partners, emphasizing the importance of timely mining plant construction, detailed design of the power plant, and ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness of equipment.

He affirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Sierra Leone’s mining policies, international standards, and collaboration with local contractors for mining site facilitation.

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, underscored the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills for competitiveness in the mining job market. He commended FG Gold for transparency, expressing confidence in their long-term commitment to Sierra Leone.

President of Lycopodium Minerals Canada Limited, Sohail Samdani, outlined their role in providing engineering procurement services, project management, material equipment supply, and technical support to FG Gold Limited.

Hon. Sao Lamina, Chairman of the Mines and Mineral Committee in Parliament, emphasized the expectation for FG Gold to comply with local mining policies and the provisions of the Local Content Act, underscoring the importance of responsible and beneficial mining practices for national development.

Caritas Freetown & Trocaire Drive Climate Change Awareness With Inter-School Contest

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

In an ambitious endeavor to elevate awareness surrounding climate change mitigation and adaptation, under the project “Awareness Raising and Advocacy on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation,” the project implementing partner, Caritas Freetown, with support from Trocaire, orchestrated a transformative inter-school quiz, debate and drawing competition involving ten carefully selected schools in the Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural Districts of Sierra Leone.

The initiative, launched in November and reaching its zenith in December 2023, sought to actively engage 10 schools and communities in addressing the critical challenges posed by climate change.

The inter-school competition was held on December 20, 2023 at the St Edwards Secondary School at Kingtom in Freetown. The event unfolded as a dynamic platform designed not only to educate but also to foster interest and active participation among pupils regarding the far-reaching implications of climate change on communities.

Speaking passionately during the event, Project Coordinator, Eliza Sillah ,expressed the overarching goal of the initiative. “Our mission is to empower young minds with knowledge and awareness about climate change,” she declared. “Through events like these, we aim to instill a profound sense of responsibility and inspire positive actions within the younger generation.”

The competition, featuring quiz rounds testing the students’ knowledge, debates that encouraged critical thinking, and a drawing competition allowing for creative expression, provided a multifaceted approach to engaging participants in the complexities of climate change issues.

Alpha Samura, one of the enthusiastic participants in the inter-school competition, shared his insights. “Being part of this competition has opened my eyes to the real challenges our environment is facing,” He remarked. “It’s crucial for us to understand the impact of climate change and work collectively to find sustainable solutions. This experience has been truly eye-opening and inspiring.”

The event concluded with a dignified award ceremony, which signifies the commitment and contributions of each participating school. Certificates of participation were distributed, acknowledging the collective effort in raising climate change awareness.

The deserving winners in each category of the competition were then honored with prizes, emphasizing the significance of their role in advancing the cause. This recognition served not only as a celebration of achievement but also as a motivational force, encouraging pupils to persist in their engagement with climate change awareness and advocacy.

Caritas Freetown and Trocaire, through this innovative initiative, have not only sown the seeds of environmental consciousness but have also nurtured a generation of informed and inspired individuals ready to champion the cause of climate change mitigation and adaptation. As the project draws to a close, the impact resonates, echoing a call for sustained efforts in building a resilient and environmentally conscious future.

Mother disappeared with Daughters to escaped death from forceful Bondo Initiation  

Fatmata Binta Bah.jpg

 Karifa Thoronka

Female Circumcision, which is very dangerous to women’s health, is a process of excision of the clitoris and labia minora with razor by a senior society member called Sowei, who has no medical training but believed to be spiritually powerful.

The 31-year-old Fatmata Binta Bah learned the spirit of resistance for her daughters not to be initiated base on her practical experience during her initiation ceremony. Relating to a girl in Waterloo who experience serious bleeding and died during the process in their time.

As the only girl in her community to have not allow her daughters undergone FGM, Fatmata’s friends and neighbors teased her continuously. Her aunts also became hostile towards her because Fatmata had asked outsiders to get involved in protecting her daughters from joining the society.

Speaking with Fatmata Binta Bah, she disclosed that since she was forcefully initiated into the bondo society she had been complaining of bad dreams, Vaginal and stomach pains whiles having very low sexual urge for her husband, and she does not want the same for her daughters. Noting that Community elders together with the traditionalist have attempted to kidnaped her daughters from her for initiation ceremony. She concluded with tears in her eyes saying that she has undergone lots of harassment and intimidation because of her daughters Mariama Bah, Salimatu Bah and Hawa Bah, so she is leaving the Community to unknown place together with her Daughters.

The situation that Fatmata Bah found herself was really a nightmare, as everyone in the Rokel community and beyond are supporting bondo society including the police are in favor of bondo society.

Since the Soweis and the traditional authorities are still searching for Fatmata and her daughters, their lives are in serious danger.

Successive governments have made little or no effort to change this picture either because the practice is so deeply embedded in the culture of the people or because politicians fear losing the votes of the people if they attempt to ban it.

VP Launches TAF Africa’s 5,000 Affordable Homes Project in John Obey

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Honourable Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has in a ground-breaking ceremony launched the TAF Africa Salone Micro-City, a joint venture project between the Government of Sierra Leone and TAF Africa Global. The event, held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the John Obey Community, gathered esteemed dignitaries, community leaders and stakeholders to mark the commencement of the 5,000 affordable home project in John Obey.

Welcoming the gathering, the Headman of the John Obey Community, Hassan Marah, expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone and TAF Africa for selecting John Obey Community for the project of constructing 5,000 affordable homes.

He assured both the Government of Sierra Leone and TAF Africa of the community support during the implementation of the project further appealing, on behalf of the community, for the employment of community members in the construction process.

Ing. Oba F. Jones, Vice President of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers, commended the collaboration between the Government and TAF Salone Ltd, recognizing TAF Africa Global Ltd’s successful track record in affordable housing development. Jones highlighted the potential benefits for Sierra Leone from the engineering successes achieved in The Gambia and Nigeria over the past 48 years.

Recognizing the diverse engineering requirements, Jones recommended engaging local firms and engineers, stressing compliance with the Professional Engineering Regulation Act to ensure that all the engineers involved are fully registered. The Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers expressed keen interest in contributing to the Project’s success and proposed the establishment of a working group for collaboration.

In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa Global, Mustapha Njie, expressed gratitude to H.E. President Julius Maada Bio for his continuous support and commitment to the development of affordable housing in Sierra Leone, highlighting the transformative vision shared by the Government and TAF Africa Global in providing quality housing for the people of Sierra Leone.

The CEO extended heartfelt thanks to the Minister of Housing and cabinet members for their dedication in facilitating the project. He acknowledged the support of lawmakers who played a crucial role in ratifying the initiative, emphasizing their belief in the long-term benefits it will bring to the nation.

Njie outlined six key benefits that the TAF Salone Micro-City Project will bring to Sierra Leone which includes, affordable housing, job creation, sustainable development, improved living standards, social impact and Improved Security.

In conclusion, Njie expressed his gratitude for being part of this transformative project and emphasized confidence in the success of TAF Salone Micro-City with the unwavering support of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, the Government and esteemed partners. He extended thanks to various collaborators, including the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers, Sierra Leone Institute of Architects, financial partners, consultants, subcontractors, management, staff and the John Obey community.

On his part, the Minister of Lands, Turad Senesie, on behalf the Government of Sierra Leone expressed appreciation to TAF Africa Global for believing in his vision.

He said that when he took over the Ministry there were a lot of challenges but said he was very determined to overcome them and bring in positive reforms that will benefit the entire country.

Dr. Turad Senesie stated that since his appointment, one of his priorities was to move the agenda of President Julius Maada Bio in terms of country planning and housing of which he maintained that in fulfilling that commitment he is pleased to witness the ground-breaking launching ceremony of TAF Africa Salone Micro-City, a joint venture project between the Government of Sierra Leone and TAF Africa Global marking the commencement of the 5,000 affordable homes project in John Obey.

The Minister added that as a Ministry they are looking for serious investors that can change the development landscape, stating that TAF Africa Global will not only provide jobs but will also support other Government activities. He assured of Government’s support to TAF Africa Global.

Launching the project, the Honourable Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, said that he is pleased, on behalf of His Excellency President Maada Bio, to officially launch the TAF Africa Salone Micro-City Project in the country marking the commencement of the 5,000 affordable homes project in John Obey.

He said that His Excellency President Maada Bio, in his 2018 manifesto, promised affordable housing for citizens and that officially launching the TAF Africa Salone Micro-City Project in the country is a manifestation of that promise.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said that there had been a lot of issues regarding land grabbing in the country especially with Sierra Leoneans living in the diaspora who purchased these lands but found it very difficult to take ownership of those lands but said with the launch of the TAF Africa Salone Micro-City Project those issues will become a thing of the past.

He informed all that citizens both in the country and in the diaspora will now have the opportunity to own houses at the TAF Africa Salone Micro-City at the comfort of their zones.

The Vice President encouraged community members to take ownership of the project by supporting TAF Africa.

Giving the vote of thanks, the General Manager of TAF Africa, Anta Sey, expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, and the community of John Obey for their indispensable contributions to the realization of TAF Salone Micro City.

She acknowledged the exceptional efforts of TAF Africa Global teams across the nine countries where they have a presence, with special mention of The Gambia, Nigeria and now Sierra Leone.

As the General Manager, Sey reaffirmed TAF Salone’s commitment to delivering the best housing development in Sierra Leone. She acknowledged existing customers and their wise choice, assuring them of TAF Salone’s dedication to seeing them through to the handover of their homes.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic foundation stone-laying by the Vice President, signifying a shared commitment to realizing the vision of TAF Salone Micro City.

Significantly, the event marked a moment of shared appreciation and forward-looking commitment, setting the stage for the realization of TAF Salone Micro City’s transformative vision.Top of Form

PPASL Highlights Significance of HIV Testing and Condom Use on World AIDS Day 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Friday 15th December, 2023 at the Freetown Teachers College at Jui, Western Rural District, the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL),an institution that works on a range of serious sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues to improve people’s health and quality of life in the country, has joined the National AIDS Secretariat under the Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners to commemorate World AIDS Day 2023 on the theme: “Let Communities Lead.”

During an interview with Samuel Yemeh Koroma, the Youth and Communications Officer for PPASL, he expressed the Association’s satisfaction in joining the global community to mark World AIDS Day. He emphasized the importance of the annual December 1st commemoration as an opportunity to reflect on progress, raise awareness about ongoing challenges and mobilize stakeholders for a collective effort to end AIDS.

Samuel Yemeh Koroma noted that PPASL, known for its work in addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues, provides services such as family planning and other SRH services across eight districts in Sierra Leone, including Western Urban & Rural, Bombali, Port Loko, Karene, Kenema, Bo, among others.

He revealed that during the commemoration ceremony, PPASL set up a booth to provide services to participants, including sensitization on the importance of HIV testing and condom usage, furthering that the booth also distributed condoms to those who engaged with PPASL’s offerings.

Samuel Yemeh Koroma acknowledged the support of the International Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone, expressing gratitude for their assistance in making the commemoration possible.

As part of the commemorative activities, he encouraged everyone to visit the nearest health facility for HIV and AIDS testing, which he described as a crucial step to knowing one’s status. Additionally, the Youth and Communications Officer urged everyone to prioritize condom usage during sexual intercourse, emphasizing its role in preventing both sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Fatmata Sesay, one of the participants, commended Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) for their contributions towards the commemoration of the day. She added that the Association has been supporting the improvement of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues in the country.

She said that during the course of the commemoration, she had the opportunity to visit Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) booth and she benefited from the sensitization of the importance of testing and the importance of using condoms.

“Today I have learnt a lot and I hope to take the knowledge I have acquired to my community and also educate my colleagues especially on the importance of testing and the use of condoms during sexual intercourse,” she expressed optimism.

The ceremony also witnessed the distribution of condoms to participants by the Association and featured statements from other stakeholders, including NGO partners working on HIV/AIDS, the Executive Director of the Network of HIV Positives in Sierra Leone and the Deputy Minister of Health 1.

Partnering to Serve Humanity Hosts Interfaith Dialogue, Dishes Out Rice to 3,000  

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

In a remarkable demonstration of unity and compassion, Partnering to Serve Humanity, a collaboration involving Caritas Freetown, Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation and funded by the Tzu Chi Foundation, hosted its Seventh Interfaith Dialogue 2023 at Jesus is Lord Ministry on Tower Hill in Freetown.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of 30 kilograms of rice to 3,000 individuals, signifying the core values of love and care as inspired by the teachings of Dharma Master Chenge Yen, Founder of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation.

The gathering saw the convergence of representatives from diverse religious backgrounds, including the Religious Council of Sierra Leone, Christian, Islamic, Rastafarian, Buddhist and Government representation in the form of the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty.

Ishmael Alfred Charles, Program Manager for Healey International Relief Foundation and Caritas Freetown, delivered insights into the collaborative efforts among the partnering organizations. He emphasized the potential use of food resources to promote religious tolerance and meet community needs.

The Program Manager stressed the importance of dialogue and understanding, encouraging the inclusion of diverse religious perspectives in discussions. His optimism for sustained dialogue and forgiveness resonated throughout his address.

Apostle Dora Dumbuya of Jesus is Lord Ministry took the stage, discussing the dichotomy between human and divine thinking. Emphasizing adherence to God’s commandments and fostering positive relationships with the divine, her message signified the transformative power of prayer and aligning with God’s will.

Representing the Muslim community, Sheik Fomba, echoed themes of strength and resilience gained through overcoming challenges. He urged the audience to elevate their hope, emphasizing the importance of prayer and expressing gratitude while calling for blessings upon Sierra Leone, its leaders and its people.

Mohamed Bangura, Secretary General for the Rastafarian Movement, addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of peace and the role of young people in promoting it. Advocating for action and cooperation from both Government and community, he expressed a desire for the youth to actively shape the nation’s future and ensure peace over the next five years.

Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, extended gratitude to the organizers for facilitating the Interfaith Dialogue and rice distribution. Stressing the paramount importance of peace in Sierra Leone, she called for unity to foster a tranquil nation.

She also touched upon critical issues such as substance abuse, outlining the Government’s efforts to address those challenges. Additionally, she underscored the significance of positive parenting and the community’s role in building a better society.

The event marked a poignant moment of shared values, collaborative efforts and a collective commitment to serving humanity, transcending religious and cultural boundaries for a harmonious Sierra Leone.

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