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Launched by Pres. Bio…   Persons with Disabilities to Benefit from the Socio-Economic Empowerment Project

By Esther Wright

President Julius Maada Bio has on the 9th December 2021 launched the Socio-Economic Empowerment Project for Persons living with Disabilities (PwDs), unveiled their audit report and called for a barrier-free environment for the vulnerable. The launch took place at the Youyi Building Car Park in Freetown.

Speaking on behalf of the PwDs, Eku Scotland,  stated that disability issues across the country are of serious concern because affected persons are the most vulnerable and marginalized in their localities, adding that the livelihood project would help in reducing poverty and inequality.

“This project will generate employment among poor households by moving poor households into sustainable economic stability. The organization has established skills training centers across the country but more need to be done to help PWDs realize their potentials in society,” he said.

“On behalf of persons with impairment, I want to use this opportunity to thank you and your Government for the package for PWD. Had it not been for your intervention, livelihood would have been difficult for us during the lockdowns of the Corona virus outbreak,” he expressed gratitude.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Dr Babatunde Ahonsi, commended the Government, especially the Ministry of Social Welfare and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities for their commitment to addressing disability inclusion issues and for organizing the event.

He noted that most persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone tend to be unseen, unheard, uncounted and unrepresented and face discrimination and barriers in many spheres and stages of life, adding that in their day-to-day lives persons with disabilities are often excluded from access to the physical environment, information and social networks.

The UN chief disclosed that the launch of the livelihood project is part of the United Nations Development Programme’s support to the Ministry of Social Welfare with life skills and start-up kits for economic empowerment and for combating street begging among persons with disabilities, adding that they had also provided start-up kits like rickshaws, black smithery, tailoring and bead making items for the economic empowerment of PwDs.

“His Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, the UN in Sierra Leone targets economically excluded and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, through an integrated approach that focuses on fostering an enabling legal, policy and social environment for effective service delivery,” he assured.

Minister of Social Welfare, Baindu Dassama, said it is important for authorities to listen to the concerns of people living with disabilities because they are the most neglected and thanked the leadership of President Bio for his concerns with the PwDs since he assumed office in 2018.

In his statement, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio said the launch of the livelihood project is a sign of his Government’s preparedness to address street begging among persons with disabilities and to improve the country’s human rights credentials by empowering vulnerable groups in the country.

He added that the launch of the accessibility audit report would also encourage stakeholders to support the Government in building a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities, saying that the Persons with Disability Act 2011 provided for a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities.

“As part of the process of reducing vulnerability and tackling the menace of street begging among persons with disabilities, the Ministry of Social Welfare is working on this economic empowerment programme with the aim of building the capacity of persons with disabilities through skills training, provision of start-up kits, provision of reintegration package, provision of social safety net in the form of cash transfer among others to end street begging among persons with disabilities.

“The skills will include welding, tailoring, hairdressing, information and communication technology, carving, beadwork, gara tie-dying and tricycle riding,” he noted.

President Julius Maada Bio thanked international and local partners for their support, saying that his Government is determined to end all forms of stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities.

He cited the relevance of the radical inclusion in the Free Quality School Education, special needs teachers and learners and the provision of assistive devices and learning materials so that nobody would be denied access to education.

“This livelihood project will support persons with disabilities for economic empowerment and self-reliance. On that note, let me use this opportunity to launch the Socio-economic Empowerment for Persons with Disability. I thank you all,” he concluded.

NP-SL Emerges as Best Company of the Year (2021) for Commitment to Business Excellence

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) was proudly among other institutions that were highly recognized and honoured with prestigious awards by the Corporate Events Limited during the organization’s 5th Annual Sierra Leone Business Awards Ceremony held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Freetown on the 8th December 2021 which was graced by the crème de la crème of society.

NP-SL Ltd was awarded as the Best Company of the Year for its outstanding performance in the private sector and commitment to business excellence, best practices and socio-economic growth and human development in Sierra Leone.

Indeed, for some who are au fait with the operations of this remarkable petroleum marketing company it came as no surprise for it to be honoured with such a highly prestigious award. This is for the simple fact that the company ranks among dominant companies in the country  that have been making steady progress, growing by leaps and bounds within the business landscape of this country.

It has been widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil. The way and manner in which the company provides high quality services to its numerous customers right across the country have been described as phenomenal and highly impressive.

Besides, it is an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, as over the years it has placed high premium on customer care, which it had and effectively continues to roll out to such an extent that it has earned it the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care.

It is within that realm that the shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines in all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s).

With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The Shareholders and Management of the company also thought it fit to introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company makes use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

Receiving the Award, on behalf of the company, its Chief Executive Officer, Kobi Walker expressed gratitude to the organizers and all those who voted for the company to make it through. “I want to use this opportunity to extend thanks and appreciation to all those who in diverse ways patronized with the company in 2021,” he stated adding how they are committed and determined to continue to provide essential services to its numerous customers right across the country and contribute meaningfully to overall national development.

The Chief Executive Officer concluded by stating that the Award will be dedicated to all the esteemed customers of the company.

“Your patronage, participation, your trust in us and your immense interactions with us made it happened because without you there will be no NP-SL Ltd,” he stated followed by a thunderous chorus of applauses, morale boosting before the actual celebration and jubilation started.

Mines Parliamentary Committee Rescinds Cancellation of Sierramin’s Licenses 

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, chaired by the Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, has on the 8th December 2021 annulled or invalidated the cancellation of the concession and mining licenses of Sierramin Bauxite SL Ltd on the basis of allowing the company to continue its operations in the country. This latest move on the part of the Parliamentary Committee came in the wake of the termination of Sierramin Bauxite SL Limited mining licenses, issued by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources.

Recently, to be precise on the 8th December 2021, officials of the Ministry of Mines and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) engaged stakeholders, especially landowners, in Marampa Chiefdom, Lunsar, in the Port Loko District, during which they informed them that because of failure to honour its obligations, amidst several warnings, the Government has decided to cancel the concession and mining licenses of Sierramin Bauxite Sierra Leone Limited.

However, the Hon. Members of the Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources raised several concerns, including court actions, joblessness, erosion of donor confidence on investment and negative impacts on the economy among others whenever mining licenses are terminated.

Hon. Amadu Kanu spoke on the importance and benefits of mining to the State and encouraged the National Minerals Agency (NMA) to work in the best interest of the State including growth and development and adherence to international benchmarks.

Following concerns and observations by Members of the Committee, Hon. P.C Bai Kurr Kanagbaro Sanka Ill condemned the termination of such mining licenses, and cited the ramifications the Government and people of Sierra Leone went through relating to the cancellation of the mining licenses belonging to SL Mining in Port Loko District.

The Committee Members also asked NMA to give them an update on the following: Comprehensive list mining companies that are doing exploration in the country, Environmental, Social, and Health Impacts Assessment (ESHIA) of active mining companies, Proposed mining strategy for 2022 and Comparative Assessment of the 2009 Mines and Minerals Act and the 2021 proposed Bill for the purposes of its review.

The Committee also made the following recommendations: That the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources should put on hold any act of termination regarding Sierramin Bauxite SL Limited, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources must exhaust all mechanisms for redress and that the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources should engage the miner (Sierramin Bauxite) based on the company’s commitments and responsibilities to the State

Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, said the decision to revoke the termination of the said mining licenses was informed by what transpired between SL Mining and the State, following experts’ opinion and advice.

The Committee also discussed several issues including best practices and the economic benefits of mining activities that are catalytic to development in the country.

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited Engages Sorghum Farmers in Bo, Kenema & Kailahun Districts

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has on the 9th, 10th and 11th December 2021 engaged sorghum farmers in Bo, Kenema and Kailahun Districts with the avowed aim of encouraging and attracting them to cultivate more sorghum to yield an increased quantity for onward sale to the Brewery. Engagements in the different districts took the form of radio discussion programs, farm visits, stakeholder engagements, meetings with youth farmer groups etc.

The outgoing Corporate Affairs Manager of SLBL, Albert Ojo Collier, the Corporate Affairs Manager Designate, Foday Daboh, the Corporate Affairs Assistant Manager, Unisa Conteh and the Local Sourcing Coordinator, Joseph Edson Sesay were the SLBL officials who engaged the sorghum farmers in all the aforementioned districts.

It could be recalled that SLBL successfully completed its campaigns during the post-harvest period in 2020 and the Pre-planting period in early 2021, before the outbreak of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.

Lamentably, the effects of COVID-19 ruined much that should have been gained but nonetheless the resolve and commitment, on the part of SLBL and its partners, to promote the country’s local content policy and develop agriculture for the benefit of farmers have remained intact.

According to Albert Ojo Collier, “Working together with the Sorghum Procurement Team, we have decided to continue to take a proactive step to engage the farmers to not succumb to the calls of other parties in the form of pre-harvest feedback and encouragement to the farmers and the rural stakeholders who were there with us all these years to develop sorghum roots across districts.”

He continued by intimating this medium that they are now going across Sierra Leone again to encourage more farmers to go into sorghum cultivation, while at the same time monitor and advice farmers who have harvested their grains to supply to the Brewery on sales.

It is on record that for quite a considerable period of time now the relationship between SLBL and Sorghum farmers has been very cordial. As a matter of fact the partnership between the two has contributed to job creation, in the form of commercial farming, for over 25,000 Sierra Leonean farmers country-wide thereby helping towards poverty reduction. One cannot say it is an exaggeration to underpin that the standards of living of sorghum farm families has improved considerably, with cascading effects, out of what they realize after the sale of their harvested produce to SLBL.

“We are very happy with the way and manner in which SLBL is empowering Sorghum farmers in the country and we are doing everything humanely possible to ensure that the mutual relationship is improved for the benefit of all and in the best interest of the country,” Joseph Edson Sesay, the Local Sourcing Coordinator stated.

It must be noted that Sorghum is used in the production of some of the beverages that the company manufactures for sale to members of the public.

Commemorating International Human Rights Day… Caritas-Freetown Conducts Stakeholders Engagement to Raise Awareness on SGBV

By Millicent Sinava Mannah

Sierra Leone joined other countries in the world to commemorate the International Human Rights Day on the 10th December 2021. Caritas Freetown, a Non-Governmental Organization on that same day organized a one-day stakeholders’ engagement as a way of commemorating the day and to climax the 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender Based Violence, an event which took place at the Kays Complex at Newton in the Western Rural Area.

Giving an overview of the program, the Lead Paralegal of the Justice and Peace Commission of Caritas Freetown, Andrew Kponeh, intimated participants that one of the reasons why they decided to conduct the engagement was to commemorate World Human Rights Day, stating that every individual is entitled to his or her own human rights.

He also pointed out that the engagement was organized against the backdrop of marking the end of  16 days of activism against SGBV, stating how in the past they have been engaging different groups to raise the awareness on SGBV and give support to the Gender Empowerment Bill.

Tobias Grosse, a Civil Peace Servant of Justice and Peace Commission of Caritas, in his statement said that the different gender roles and jobs that men and women should take are socially constructed.

Tobias continued that society does not consider women to become doctors and men to become household caretakers.

He maintained that the difference between sex and gender is that sex deals with the biological make up of human beings as created by God were as  gender deals with the social and behavioral aspects of men and women, pointing out that their hearts are constructed by society, family members and the surroundings.

Tobias Grosse continued that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended 30% quota approval for women representation in Parliament 18 years ago also disclosing that they furthered recommended a 50% of equal share within a ten year period.

He encouraged everyone to see and treat men and women equally, continuing that doing so has a lot of benefits for men, because women have lot of capacities that they cannot think about and are incapable of implementing them right now because they are not yet empowered.

He told participants that each and everyone can make a change and the more people think that way, the more people they can convince until the movement gains majority support to be followed by Government’s regulations.

Santigie Koroma, Line Manager of the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police Force, said that the Unit was created purposely to join other partners in development to minimize violence against women and to investigate and prosecute all offenders that take advantage of women and children.

He expressed delight over having the Gender Bill which, according to him, is geared towards ending equalities, empowering women, furthering that for a nation to develop women should be empowered.

One of the participants, Hassan Kamara, a teacher from the Lumpa Community, in the Western Rural District, expressed his gratitude to the organization for such an engagement, stating that he has learnt a lot about SGBV stating how he will now go and enlighten his colleagues that they should not get themselves involved in sexual harassment, mentioning that he will also encourage female students to speak up if anyone tries to sexually harass them.

CEO-SL Empowers Students with Scholarship

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Cline Town Educational Organization- Sierra Leone (CEO-SL) has empowered over ten university students with scholarships to pursue academic studies in different disciplines.

CEOSL, which was established recently, has been projecting the Cline Town Community in a very good light contrary to negative views some hold of the community. The aforementioned donated scholarships cost €30,000 and it was stated that it will help pave the way to open opportunities for hardworking pupils whose parents are unable to provide the necessary funds in sending their children to Universities.

In an interview with the Head of CEOSL, Yasind n Bah, he disclosed that the organization aims to promote education as the best asset that can be given to a child. He added that CEOSL is encouraging young hardworking ‘Clinetonians’  to take education as a golden opportunity in  their lives.

“This is the reason why we are embarking on this project and we strongly believe that, once a project like this materializes it will be an added value to our community, society and the country. So we want to ensure that this golden opportunity becomes a right for all students who intend pursuing University studies but lack the financial support to do so. Therefore, we are going to provide scholarships for ten students and we intend to increase the number as we progress,” Bah stated.

The Cline Town Community is on record to have provided outstanding citizens who have contributed immensely towards the development of the country. The community has provided lawyers, doctors, financial analysts and many more. Today, Cline Town is mentioned among the list of communities whose contributions to society and the nation are held in high esteem.

Orange SL Engages the Media Digitally

By Millicent Senava Mannah

One of Sierra Leone’s leading mobile companies, Orange SL has on Thursday 9th December 2021 engaged 62 Media Houses on the first ever Digital Media Press Briefing at the Country Lodge, on Hill Station in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Head of Public Relations, Annie Wonnie Katta, said they started the journey in 2016 after they inherited some perception issues from the public about their network being bad and on several other issues including the rolling out of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility in the country.

She added that having listened to all those perception from the public, the company went further to work tirelessly to address them and in 2019 the company saw the need to commence media briefing on a quarterly basis on the activities of the company which includes their Corporate Social Responsibility activities in the country.

Annie pointed out that they want to change the narrative, stating that they want to understand the perceptions of the people about Orange now and that they are pleased that their stories are on the Media every day.

She stated that Orange as a company has not only been providing quality services for the people, but they are also complementing the efforts of the Government in fostering socio-economic development.

She maintained that the company is very proud to host the first ever digital media press briefing, adding that digitalization is very important in relation to the development of the nation and that is why Orange as a company will continue to work in that direction.

Annie Wonnie Katta, on behalf of Orange SL appreciated journalists for constantly publishing their stories, furthering that through the media they are able to reach out to the least person in the country.

Climaxing the event, an opportunity was given to journalists present to send feedback in a form of questions to the company about their activities and services over the year which was followed by interaction and networking.

Bolloré Observes Anti-Corruption Day 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of the company’s efforts in the fight against graft, ensuring transparency in its operations at the Freetown Terminal, Bolloré Transport & Logistics on Thursday 9th December 2021 joined other organizations to commemorate this year’s International Anti-Corruption (IAC) Day during a well-attended ceremony held at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay at Cline Town in Freetown.

Giving the opening statement, the Bolloré Compliance Officer, Madam Olusola Sesay noted that the International Anti-corruption Day marks the adoption in 2003 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

She said that the company’s members of staff work under a comprehensive code of conduct, and allows whistleblowers to report suspected integrity violations to the Management of the company.

Madam Sesay admonished the company’s members of staff to work hard and ensure that their operations are corruption free as provided for in their human resources and training programs for staff. She said the company is proud of its accomplishments and commended all staff members for their vigilance and dedication in the fight against corruption, ensuring that the operations of the company are upheld.

Speaking during the event, the Country Manager of Bolloré, Captain Fabjanko Kokan, revealed that there is total transparency in the operations of Bolloré as payments for transactions are being done through banks of which he assured all that they will continue in that drive.

He implored all of the company’s staff to continue in enhancing transparency and accountability in the operations of the company and further urged them to obey the rules and improve on their integrity and change the way they do things.

“We cannot allow corruption here, we are paid to do our work diligently and you should avoid any form of corruption with the operations of the company,” he maintained.

Captain Fabjanko Kokan pointed out that the fight against corruption in the country is a collaborative effort of which he said together we need to fight, otherwise, we will fail in the fight against corruption.

He concluded by commending the Anti-Corruption Commission for its efforts in the fight against graft in the country but said the fight to eradicate it still needs to improve.

Giving the keynote address, the Deputy Director of Public Education and Outreach at the Anti-Corruption Commission, Abubakarr Turay commended Bolloré for its belief that the fight against corruption is not solely the business of the Government and the Anti-Corruption Commission and called on institutions and other private sector players to join the robust fight against corruption in Sierra Leone.

“We know that the quay has many other stakeholders and we also know that Bolloré has built a very good image for itself over the years. But when you operate in an environment like this, there is the tendency for people to describe you all as ‘Just One and the same people’ I therefore encourage you to always be bringing these issues up during stakeholders engagements,” he admonished.

Abubakarr Turay acknowledged the decision of Bolloré Transport and Logistics to recognize the International Anti-Corruption Day, which he said has now become part of their annual calendar, adding that this goes a long way to show the public and their staff about the organization’s stance against corruption. He further urged other private and even public institutions to emulate the footprints of Bolloré.

He also commended the company for creating an Integrity Management Committee to serve as a mini anti-corruption body to identify system weaknesses and corruption incidences in the workplace, as an ACC preventive approach in the fight against corruption.

AMNet Takes Gender-Based Violence Awareness Campaign to Beacon High School

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemorating the 30 years anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on the theme: “Orange the World, End Violence Against Women and Girls Now!” which is an annual international campaign that kicks off on the 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day, the Advocacy Movement Network (AMNet) in collaboration with partners has on Wednesday 8th December, 2021 held a one-day dialogue session with pupils of Beacon High School. The event was held at the school hall on Signal Hill in Freetown.

In his welcome statement, the Vice Principal of Beacon High School, applauded the Advocacy Movement Network (AMNet) and partners for undertaking such an awareness raising campaign which he described as not only important but a timely intervention geared towards the Elimination of Violence against Women and girls in the country.

He called on other organizations to join them in raising awareness on Gender Based Violence and assured AMNet of their fullest support, of which he also used the opportunity to encourage the pupils to serve as Ambassadors in their schools and communities in advocating the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls in the country.

In her statement, the Chief Executive Officer of the Advocacy Movement Network (AMNet), Willimina Sho-Cole, said that gender based violence is against the fundamental human rights of women and girls and that it prevents them from achieving their full potentials.

She disclosed that Advocacy Movement Network (AMNet), is an organization that has been in existence since 2006 working on women empowerment, child protection and youth development, adding that currently the organization has offices in 4 districts which includes Freetown, Bonthe, Kambia and Koinadugu and that they have been implementing activities across the country.

Willimina Sho-Cole maintained that the mandate of AMNet is to deepen rights holders understanding about human rights and social justice as a means for them to reflect on their individual lives and use their skills to make informed choices as agents of social change in the country.

She further revealed that Sierra Leone is among other countries that commemorates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and that the country has signed many laws in support of ending violence against women and girls of which she stated that AMNet, as a rights based organization, joined the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations in the campaign drive to end violence against women and girls.

She stated that AMNet, as part of their activities in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, deemed it fit to engage pupils in a dialogue in order for them to understand the importance of ending violence against women and girls.

She informed them that during this event AMNet has been able to conduct several community based programs, organized school talk shows, community sensitization activities in slum communities etc.

On her part, Board Member Advocacy Movement Network (AMNet), Mrs. Dabos admonished pupils to speak out against violence against women and girls especially sexual violence.

She added that she was present at the first meeting on the global fight against gender based violence against women and girls.

Speaking on Orange’s contribution in ending violence against women and girls, the Coding Head of Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, Priscilla Okectukwu, stated that violence against women and girls is violence against the whole of humankind, and should have no place in Africa or
anywhere else in the world and that the responsibility falls on all  to keep their commitments to prevent, openly reject and condemn all acts of violence against women and girls.

“Orange Sierra Leone & Orange Sierra Leone Foundation are strongly committed to the fight to eliminate violence against women and girls. As an organization established to create social change in Sierra Leone, we take this fight seriously,” she maintained.

Priscilla Okechukwu pointed out that there are many ways to combat violence against women and girls adding how a program like the one AMNet is rolling out plays significant roles in sensitizing key groups on the dangers of violence against women and girls and the importance of eliminating it.

Giving a keynote address, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, expressed appreciation to the Advocacy Movement Network (AMNet) for the laudable venture in taking the Gender-Based Violence Awareness Campaign to Beacon High School.

He said that the 16 Days of Activism are used as an organizing strategies by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The Managing Director further used the opportunity to encourage pupils present to serve as Ambassadors in their school and their different communities.

The Managing Director inspired pupils to believe in themselves and that they should ensure they maintain positive attitudes which, he said, will help them to become great men and women in society.

Assessment Report on People Living With HIV at Risk Launched by WFP & Partners

By Amin Kef Sesay

The World Food Programme (WFP) Sierra Leone in collaboration with UNAIDS, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Aids Secretariat (NAS) and other partners on 7 December 2021 launched a joint assessment report of the most vulnerable People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in terms of their livelihood and food security as well as their health care status and vulnerability to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and other natural disastrous situations at the Radisson blue Hotel in Freetown. This assessment was conducted in August 2021 and randomly selected over 3,000 of PLHIV and TB patients (77% women) on antiretroviral drugs across the country.

Funded under the Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) the objectives of the assessment include:

  1. To determine the vulnerability of PLHIVs using a set of commonly agreed criteria.
  2. To determine whether those identified as vulnerable currently benefit from existing response schemes, and to identify potential barriers preventing most vulnerable PLHIV and other risk population groups from accessing benefits.

iii. To explore opportunities for inclusion of vulnerable people identified into the national social protection response schemes through NaCSA or other relevant government structures like the Ministry of Social Welfare

  1. To determine different options available to maintain continuity or sustainable response for short, medium, and long-term effect.

According to the findings of the report, 54 percent of respondents were not engaged in an any form of income generating activities, 41 percent only consume only one meal a day and 1.6 percent reported access to social protection scheme.

The Director General National HIV/AIDS Secretariat In his, Mr. Abdul Rahman Sesay,

statement at the launch said that the document was very critical in mainstreaming the beneficiaries into the social protection scheme and addressing risks, vulnerabilities, morbidity and mortality among PLHIVs.

“The report is very timely and makes for better planning and utilization of resources,” said Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne, Commissioner of NaCSA.

The PLHIV profiling and vulnerability assessment report will provide the basis for generating evidence for vulnerability amongst PLHIVs that could be used by development partners for targeting and designing interventions for key population groups as well as to advocate for inclusion of PLHIVs into the national social protection scheme.

The report will contribute to ending inequalities against PLHIV through an effective HIV sensitive social protection programme.

Minister of Health and Sanitation by the Deputy Minister 1, Dr Anthony Sandy launched the report.

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