Home Blog Page 443

Chinese Ambassador Scholarship 2023 Grants Education Support to 30 Students

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, on December 5th, 2023  played host to a momentous event, the 2023 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Awards Ceremony, an auspicious gathering that was graced by the presence of important dignitaries, including His Excellency Wang Qing, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone,  Hon. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, the representative of the Scholarship Awardees and the Media. The occasion marked a significant step forward in the educational partnership between China and Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Wang Qing’s in his keynote speech started by welcoming all to the event, further congratulating all the awardees and their families maintaining that he thinks of all of them, their schools saying he is proud of them.

He underscored the pivotal role of education in societal progress, drawing from China’s own remarkable journey towards economic advancement. The Ambassador highlighted how education had been instrumental in lifting millions out of poverty and driving sustainable development, reflecting on China’s achievement of its poverty alleviation goal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals a decade ahead of schedule.

“I can say Education played a pivotal role in bringing about this unprecedented miracle,” he underscored referencing DENG Xiaoping, whom he said  orchestrated the reforms and opening-up a policy which pinpointed that China will not become a modernized country just by talking about a grand vision but must cultivate the necessary expertise and talent to make that vision a reality.

He intimated how DENG Xiaoping’s vision of building a powerful China was grounded in efforts to develop education and build technological prowess was enshrined as a national strategy, which ensured that respect for knowledge and talent was mainstreamed in succeeding development programs adding how today China is home to the world’s largest educational sector.

Emphasizing the depth of collaboration, Ambassador Wang Qing highlighted China’s substantial investment in Sierra Leone’s educational landscape.

He revealed how over two decades, more than 1,200 Sierra Leonean students benefited from Chinese scholarships, while diverse training programs in areas like agriculture, management, and sports reached over 5,100 individuals.

According to him, this year over 800 Sierra Leoneans have been invited to China for training programs and seminars on agriculture, aquatic, SMEs, management, sports and etc saying the total number is the second highest on the African continent.

Ambassador Wang Qing also spotlighted the establishment of educational hubs like the Confucius Institute and agricultural technology demonstration centers, illustrating China’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure in Sierra Leone.

He said The Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Program is an important initiative aiming to provide support for outstanding students with good academic performance and a love for Chinese culture, and to pass on and promote the traditional friendship between China and Sierra Leone saying the  scholarship program started in 2015, and has been held for 8 consecutive years, with a total of about 200 students receiving the award, which help to inspire the enthusiasm of Sierra Leonean students for learning, promoted the friendship between China and Sierra Leone.

He mentioned the great achievement Sierra Leone had made in Education during the last several years pointing out how His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio  made “Free Quality Education” the flagship program of the New Direction Agenda in his first term.

The Ambassador said they believe that Education will continue to play a significant role and give a strong impetus to the realization of President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers in his second term, namely Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment Scheme, Revamping the Public Service Architecture, Tech and Infrastructure stressing how all of these need more support from capacity-building, from skilled talent, and of course, need more quality education.

He concluded that, “Young people are the cream of the nation” adding that for every country all over the world, youth are the hope and the future.

The Chinese Ambassador said : “For you as the top ones among the young generation of Sierra Leone, the responsibility upon your shoulder is to create a better future for your country. Please cherish your opportunities and study hard to use your knowledge to make Sierra Leone more prosperous and a better homeland. You are also the future of China-Sierra Leone bilateral friendship and I hope you can contribute more to promote the friendship between China and Sierra Leone to a higher level.”

On her part, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended the enduring educational collaboration between both nations and reflected on past scholarship ceremonies and bilateral initiatives acknowledging their profound impact.

She said under the esteem leadership of Ambassador Wang Qing , all are witnessing another Chinese Ambassador Scholarship awarding ceremony with 30 deserving awardees from higher education institutions.

“On behalf of His Excellency President Bio, I express profound thanks and appreciation to Your Excellency MR Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone for your unwavering support towards human capital development in Sierra Leone, a key development agenda for the Government,” she expressed gratitude.

The Minister said she is optimistic that the bilateral relationship between the two countries will continue to flourish, and urged the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunities presented to them wisely, recognizing the privilege that others may not have.

“Use this opportunity to excel academically and contribute to our nation’s progress,” she admonished assuring how the Ministry is here to support them further encouraging them to embrace the responsibility in order to give back to their communities and contribute to the nation’s development wishing them a successful academic journey.
The event concluded with a shared vision of nurturing lasting friendship and mutual respect between Sierra Leone and China, rooted in the pursuit of educational advancement and socio-economic progress.
The ceremony resonated deeply on the profound impact of education in shaping destinies, nurturing talent, and fortifying the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous future for both nations.

 

Choithram Hospital’s Free Surgical Camp & MRI Machine Upcoming Soon

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital, one of Sierra Leone’s most reputable private hospital, will once again host a free surgical camp from January 9 to January 23, 2024. The initiative is led by Dr. M. L. Baryoh, the current Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Germany, in partnership with Interplast Germany.

The hospital Management announced that a team of experienced German plastic surgeons will be offering free consultations and treatments. These surgeons, who have been visiting Sierra Leone since 2010, will perform the surgeries at no cost to patients. The camp’s coordination will be overseen by Dr. Eric Wongo, a plastic surgeon.

It must be noted that the hospital has a history of organizing such events, providing access to quality medical treatment for individuals who could not otherwise afford the costs. Patients suffering from post-burn contracture, hand, feet, or wrist disorders/deformities, hand and feet tumors, and cleft lip and palate, are among those who can benefit from the free services.

The German team comprises eight specialists, including Dr. Med Lutz Gruhl, Dr.Bernd Heidemann, Dr. Olaf Weigt, Dr. Karolina Lischka, Dr. Franziska von Sievers, Mr. Nikolaus Brunner, Mrs. Andrea Schmidt, and Mrs. Monika Schäfer.

Choithram’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Gowrinath M. George, credited Ambassador Dr. M. L. Baryoh for the initiative. “Without Dr. Baryoh’s relentless efforts in bridging Interplast and Choithram Hospital, this camp is not possible,” said Dr. George.

Furthermore, the hospital announced that a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine is being installed and will become operational by the 1st week of January 2024.

Harish Agnani, the Chief Administrator of Choithram Group, reiterated the hospital’s commitment to providing quality medical treatment for everyone, which has been their vision since its establishment.

Interested patients are encouraged to contact the hospital at +23276541331 for registration, or visit the hospital on Hill Station in Freetown. Registration starts from December 8, 2023, and will run till December 19, 2023.

President Bio Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes, & Pledges Unyielding Justice

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio joined mourners, family members, and well-wishers at the Cockerill Military Headquarters on the 6th December  2023,  for an inter-faith funeral service of 18 security personnel tragically killed during the attempted coup on November 26. The President expressed his deepest condolences and promised that the sacrifices of these heroes would not be forgotten.

The funeral service, attended by a vast crowd of mourners, paid homage to 15 soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, two officers of the Sierra Leone Police, and a member of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. President Bio praised their valiant efforts to uphold democracy, stating that they stood “steadfast in the face of treachery” and paid the ultimate price to defend their country.

Addressing the mourners, the President said, “Today, we stand united in grief, not just as mourners, but as bearers of a sacred duty to honor our fallen comrades.” He went on to condemn the “cowardly and selfish acts” of those responsible for the failed coup, criticizing their attempts to undermine the nation’s democracy and trust in its defense and security institutions.

President Bio also reminded the mourners of the fallen officers’ pledge to defend the constitution and the nation. He said their “unwavering commitment to their duty, loyalty to our country, and steadfast courage in the face of danger will forever be etched in our hearts.”

Reflecting on his role as Commander-In-Chief, the President expressed his personal grief over the tragedy, referring to the lost officers as “my brothers in arms, my family in service.” He committed to ensuring that their sacrifice would not be in vain, promising a relentless pursuit of justice against those involved in the failed coup, regardless of their power or position.

The funeral service saw tributes from the Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Peter K. Lavahun, the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu, and the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Colonel Sulaiman Sheikh Massaquoi, who all expressed their solemn respects on behalf of their institutions.

The inter-faith funeral service was officiated by Major S.Y. Kamara, the Chief Imam of the Maritime Wing of the RSLAF, representing the Muslim faith, and Lt. Colonel B. S. Lebbie, representing the Christian faith.

ECOWAS and MFWA Sign Pact to Strengthen Collaboration

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) signed a historic four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, signed by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and the Executive Director of the MFWA,  Sulemana Braimah, seeks to enhance collaboration and cooperation between the two organizations.

In pursuit of the objectives of the MoU, ECOWAS and MFWA will focus on a number of strategic areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing democratic values, media freedom and development, human rights and peace in the region.

The specific areas of cooperation include: building media capacity to contribute to enhancing democratic norms and values; enhancing the media’s role in countering narratives of violent extremism, polarization, radicalization, mis/disinformation and hate speech; promoting media freedom, freedom of expression (online and offline) and access to information; and coordination with regional media partners to enhance citizens’ awareness of ECOWAS and its activities across Member States.

At the signing ceremony, the ECOWAS Commissioner for the Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah (PhD), reiterated the strategic role of the MFWA as a partner of choice that has the capacity to contribute to dealing with the critical challenges facing the region. He highlighted the role of the media in mobilizing public opinion in support of democratic values and countering anti-democratic narratives that appear to be on the rise in the region.

Commissioner Adbel-Fatau Musah noted that the MoU with the MFWA was also critical because of the invaluable role of the media in promoting ECOWAS’ vision 2050, which is: ECOWAS of the peoples: peace and prosperity for all.

On his part, the Executive Director of the MFWA expressed his delight about the formalization of relations between the two organizations, noting that the partnership provides a great opportunity to build synergies and leverage on each other’s capacities and resources to effectively confront the critical challenges facing the region.

In attendance at the signing ceremony were other senior ECOWAS officials and senior staff of the MFWA.

NP-SL Leaves Lasting Impressions Due to Its Enhanced Customer Care Touch

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It is an indisputable fact that NP-SL Ltd is synonymous with  1st for Customer Care. As far as it is known,  in that realm, no other indigenous business entity can come closer to the seasoned petroleum importing and marketing entity because in the first place the company identified it, nurtured it and made it a policy of streamlining it in all its dealings with its numerous and esteemed customers. It worked and still continues to work the magic for the company.

For some words cannot convey the meaning of NP-SL Ltd being 1st in terms of Customer Care but as they say the taste of the pudding lies in its eating. For those in doubt, once NP-SL Ltd touches or treats a customer, that customer instantaneously desires more of the company’s services.

 Indeed, NP  deserves praise as a resilient business entity that had been rated as the country’s foremost importer and dealer of petroleum products, which include petrol, diesel, gas as well as lubricants of various types and is always poised to give its ubiquitous and esteemed customers the best in terms of value for money.

The company’s competent and result-oriented Managerial think tank, currently headed by its indefatigable Chief Executive Officer, Kobi Walker, in tandem with the Board of Directors, have always endeavoured to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum landscape in this country, looking at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed timely, excellently, all geared towards enhancing good business relationships. If there is any outstanding feature for which the company is identified with then it is giving customers satisfaction to the fullest  which is why it has earned the enviable reputation of ‘1st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

Regarding their customers as priceless jewels, NP-SL Ltd always ensures that to give them optimal satisfaction, value must be derived from their monies spent. It was thinking along that line that prompted the shareholders of the company to replace their old fashioned pumping machines to calibrated pumping machines of high standard which transparently pump the requisite quantity of petrol or diesel demanded for. Confidence is now high among its customers that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

Still within the domain of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for fuel and lubricants supplies as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place. When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified.

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the requisite financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from the collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  NP is indeed one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is here to stay in order to give the best and contribute tremendously to the socio-economic development of the country. Indeed the company is passionate and committed towards attaining those objectives.

ECOWAS and MFWA Sign Partnership Agreement

PRESS RELEASE

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) signed a historic four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, signed by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and the Executive Director of the MFWA, Mr. Sulemana Braimah, seeks to enhance collaboration and cooperation between the two organisations.

In pursuit of the objectives of the MoU, ECOWAS and MFWA will focus on a number of strategic areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing democratic values, media freedom and development, human rights and peace in the region.

The specific areas of cooperation include: building media capacity to contribute to enhancing democratic norms and values; enhancing the media’s role in countering narratives of violent extremism, polarisation, radicalization, mis/disinformation and hate speech; promoting media freedom, freedom of expression (online and offline) and access to information; and coordination with regional media partners to enhance citizens’ awareness of ECOWAS and its activities across Member States.

At the signing ceremony, the ECOWAS Commissioner for the Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah (PhD), reiterated the strategic role of the MFWA as a partner of choice that has the capacity to contribute to dealing with the critical challenges facing the region. He highlighted the role of the media in mobilising public opinion in support of democratic values and countering anti-democratic narratives that appear to be on the rise in the region.

Commissioner Adbel-Fatau Musah noted that the MoU with the MFWA was also critical because of the invaluable role of the media in promoting ECOWAS’ vision 2050, which is: ECOWAS of the peoples: peace and prosperity for all.

On his part, the Executive Director of the MFWA expressed his delight about the formalisation of relations between the two organisations, noting that the partnership provides a great opportunity to build synergies and leverage on each other’s capacities and resources to effectively confront the critical challenges facing the region.

In attendance at the signing ceremony were other senior ECOWAS officials and senior staff of the MFWA.

For more information, visit www.mfwa.org or email us at INFO[@]mfwa.org or call the MFWA on +233 302 -555327

NP-SL Deserves An Apology from PRA

In the issue regarding the November 31st incident at NP Brookfields Station, when the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), accompanied by journalists, went and sealed the Station, claiming that it was creating an artificial scarcity in an already security-sensitive society, NP actually deserves an apology.

It turned out that PRA did not hesitate to close the Station even though they were informed that the said fuel in stock had already been bought by Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). This incident, circulated by the media present, dented the hard-earned name of the NP brand causing it reputational damage.

After realising the fact that the fuel was indeed bought by RSLAF, PRA went the following day, this time without any media presence to unseal the Station. Without any form of regret, PRA went quietly to break the seal, failing to bring the world along to witness the truth.

The crux of the incident bordered on overzealous personnel from PRA, accompanied by some journalists, storming the NP-SL Filling Station located at Brookfields, West End of Freetown disrupting activities by abruptly ordering that the Filling Station be sealed off on the pretext that it is deliberately refusing to sell petroleum products with the avowed aim of creating artificial scarcity.

Personnel of PRA discourteously commanded the personnel at the aforementioned Filling Station to immediately commence the selling of petroleum products to members of the public, a command that was not adhered to because there was an ongoing offloading of fuel into tanks situated at the Filling Station.

On the pretext of creating an impression that they were working in the best interest of the public or out of a preconceived notion that an artificial scarcity was being created they decided to take the unfortunate decision to seal off the Filling Station until further notice.

As a matter of fact, consideration was not given to the fact that best practice dictates that to enhance and optimize safety standards, as petroleum products are highly inflammable, whenever an offloading of petroleum products is taking place at any given Filling Station, sales of the inflammable products to the public should be suspended or put on hold until the offloading is completed and sales recommence.

That exactly was what was transpiring at the NP-SL Brookfields Filling Station at the time when the PRA monitoring team stormed or forcefully breezed in.

What also infuriated the personnel of the Filling Station was the disrespect shown by PRA after Management painstakingly explained that the stock of petroleum products they were having had already been paid for by the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and an assurance was given that when the stand-by fuel tanker would have been off-loaded the station would start selling to members of the public instantly. Yet that was taken with a pinch of salt not believing that what they were intimated was indeed true.

Rather, through utterance and actions, the Head of  the PRA  team gave a crowd that has already gathered at the scene the impression that the petroleum products were been hoarded and it was a deliberate ploy bordering on sabotage.

It was not until the next day that the PRA realized that the station management had been saying the truth. With subdued shame and guilt, after an embarrassment has been caused, they went and unseal the Filling Station without the temerity of even tendering any apology out of the conviction that they will be deemed weak when in reality unprofessionalism to the highest degree has been displayed.

According to a Social Commentator, NP-SL has etched its reputation in the sands of time as a credible petroleum marketing entity that is completely apolitical and has, over the years, demonstrated that it is a proud and responsible corporate citizen that has been working faithfully and assiduously to ensure seamless flow of petroleum products in Sierra Leone.

He concluded that the PRA should have been professionally competent enough to have realized that it is totally unethical and unsafe to be simultaneously be selling petroleum products and discharging or offloading fuel or diesel into tanks.

Their conduct only resulted in unnecessarily creating an ugly scene that drew public attention as well as causing a gross embarrassment.

President Bio Denounces Coup Attempt in Stern National Declaration

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio, on Saturday, December 2, 2023,  addressed the nation for the second time, following an attempted coup d’état on November 26, 2023. The President’s address comes in the wake of violence and instability that has shaken the capital, Freetown.

The President commenced his address by greeting his fellow countrymen, acknowledging the assault on the Wilberforce Military Barracks in Freetown’s Western Area. He described the early morning gunfire as an attempt by ruthless hooligans to unleash anarchy on the city.

It could be recalled that the Wilberforce Military Barracks was violently breached by unknown assailants, resulting in an intense gunfight during which the attackers were repelled by loyal forces but they proceeded to cause destruction to lives and property in various parts of Freetown.

The President mourned the loss of gallant officers who paid the ultimate price in the defense of the nation’s peace, security, democracy and  extended his prayers and condolences to the bereaved families wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

President Bio asserted that investigations conducted by the Security and Intelligence Community strongly point to the events of November 26 as an orchestrated coup attempt to overturn the elected Government and disrupt constitutional order.

He confirmed that arrests have been made and full investigations launched, that the Sierra Leone Police have released a list of wanted persons, further urging citizens to assist in providing information leading to the arrest of the fugitives.

Reminding his fellow citizens of the peaceful elections held five months ago, President Bio condemned the coup attempt as a grave and unpardonable act. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to a multi-party democracy and to upholding the laws of the nation.

President Bio touched upon the nation’s resilience through past challenges, such as the ten-year civil war, the Ebola outbreak, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2017 mudslide disaster. He emphasized how these trials have not diminished the determination of his people but have fostered hope for a brighter future.

Expressing gratitude for his re-election in June 2023, the President pledged to improve the quality of life for Sierra Leone’s citizens and continue transformative socio-economic programs, with Feed Salone as the flagship initiative.

The President assured the nation that the response to the coup attempt will be measured and based solely on the rule of law also pledging to follow the evidence wherever it leads, and hold all those found culpable accountable within the confines of the law.

President Bio expressed his gratitude to global leaders, bilateral and multilateral partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the Commonwealth, the European Union, and the United States of America, for their support during these challenging times.
He urged citizens to reject any attempts to divide the nation through violence and unconstitutional means also encouraging fellow Sierra Leoneans to remain united and resilient, guided solely by the rule of law.

The President Bio concluded his address by saying: “May God bless and protect the great people of Sierra Leone and our friends and partners living in Sierra Leone. Long live the Republic of Sierra Leone.”

Lawyer Marrah Calls on Govt to Respect Constitutional Curfew Boundaries

Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah ESQ, a prominent Social Activist and Lawyer in Sierra Leone has directed attention to the constitutional boundaries governing the current nationwide curfew in the country.

Marrah stressed that Section 29(3) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone restricts the curfew’s validity to a maximum of seven days without the President declaring a State of Emergency, which necessitates approval by a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

He highlighted, “The people of Sierra Leone have overwhelmingly upheld constitutional democracy in the post ‘failed attempted coup’ on the 26th November. We are grateful to our brave soldiers who defended our democratic governance. Our thoughts go to those who lost their lives defending our peace and freedom. The Government’s response, both in action and rhetoric, has been firm yet measured. I am reminding the Government that the current nationwide curfew cannot exceed 7 days constitutionally without the President declaring a State of Emergency, approved by two-thirds majority—Section 29(3) of the 1991 Constitution. Upholding constitutional order should not involve disregarding constitutional norms. Respect for the rule of law must be unwavering, not selective.”

Marrah also praised Sierra Leoneans for their staunch support of constitutional democracy following the ‘failed attempted coup.’ He extended gratitude to the courageous soldiers who safeguarded democratic governance and offered condolences to the families of those who sacrificed their lives during the defense of peace and freedom.

Health Minister Commits to President Bio’s Pledge on Neglected Tropical Disease at COP 28

Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation, on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, reinforced President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s unwavering commitment to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) emphasizing their pivotal role in transforming the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Addressing a gathering in Dubai , convened by ‘Reaching the Last Mile,’ Dr. Demby echoed Sierra Leone’s dedication to tackling climate-health challenges in last-mile communities, focusing on diseases such as polio, malaria and NTDs.

Highlighting the transformative impact of eliminating NTDs, Dr. Demby stressed Sierra Leone’s resolve to break the cycle of suffering and drive positive societal change. He underscored that such a commitment is aimed to keep children in school, empower adults to secure livelihoods, and advance gender equity.

With over 7 million individuals urgently requiring interventions against NTDs, Sierra Leone faces ongoing cycles of poverty, costing the nation billions annually.

Dr. Demby emphasized the disproportionate impact on women and girls, particularly those of reproductive age, leading to adverse outcomes. Representing President Bio, he announced Sierra Leone’s pledge of $500,000, demonstrating steadfast support in the fight against NTDs.

Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, hailed the occasion as a historic display of global solidarity to combat tropical diseases. She revealed the UAE President’s commitment of $100 million to expand the ‘Reaching the Last Mile Fund,’ envisioning an Africa free from preventable diseases.

Among the prominent speakers was Bill Gates, Co-Founder of the Gates and Melinda Foundation, who pledged $100 million towards the cause. Sierra Leone anticipates benefiting from these funds to address tropical diseases.

Accompanying Dr. Demby at the forum was Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay.

1...442443444...1,362Page 443 of 1,362