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REC Foundation Donates Rice and Money to the Aged in four Communities

By Edward Vamboi

Residential Elderly Care foundation is a grass root, Registered, non-profit making
Charity organization established in early 2020 in Freetown. It main objective is to
Care for the old/aged, poor/or weak people at their residents hence the name ‘Residential Elderly Care Foundation’ The foundation has donated rice and cash to the aged/older people from four different communities around Freetown over the weekend at the Wilberforce Barracks Canteen.

Speaking with the international fundraising coordinator Alice Christensen in Demark, she noted by saying that the foundation decided to give food stuff including cash to the aged because of the needs they requested during a community survey done by the foundation in October 2020 as to identify the real beneficiaries and their urgent needs. She ends by thanking all donors that contributed towards feeding the aged event in Freetown.

The event coordinator for the foundation Michael J. Bangura says that the communities that benefited from the donation are; Congo Town, Orloshoro, Gwent Height/Red pump and Tengbeh Town/Wilberforce Barracks combine, he further by maintaining that this is the first donation and the foundation still have more people to reach out in the coming Months.

Jattu Bernadette Sellu the Country director appeals to individuals and companies to help supports the foundation in achieving its goals by giving more charity to the aged in the Country. Whiles responding to the media noting that Freetown is not Sierra Leone the administrative Manager Karifa Kello Thoronka reveals that the foundation has its plans of extending the charity work to the provinces as soon as they have more funding to do so. ‘We aware that lots of old people are suffering in the provinces even more than Freetown’ we just need funding to extend our activities. He says.

The oldest beneficiary 105 years old, Pa Alhaji Musa Mansaray from Gwent height emphasis the mood he was after receiving the donation from the foundation, Pa Musa explained that the gift was timely as there was little or no food at home at the time of donation.

Several speakers during the donation ceremony speak about the important of embracing and caring for the aged/old people in our different communities, among them, the Chief Finance Officer for Malador Associates who doubles as the proprietor and director of Studies for Wisdom Academy Standard School, Saio Sorie Kabba encourages Sierra Leoneans to take good care of our older people.

Dennis Vandi’s Recycling Baffles Sierra Leoneans

By Amin Kef Sesay

There seems no end to how His Excellency President Bio can keep Sierra Leoneans wondering how he goes about making his top political appointments and exactly what are the things that he takes into consideration when he does.

Very certain that his latest recycling of Dennis Vandi from the Ministry of Agriculture to the highly technical position of Finance Minister has left many Sierra Leoneans thinking out loud: why does President Bio have to continue putting old wine in new bottles?

Whilst the nation agrees that it is the President’s prerogative as Head of State to make appointments into his administration as he deems fit, many have wondered why should he settle for a man as his Finance Minister whose financial rectitude is highly questionable, by the mere fact that he was alleged by the Commissions of Inquiry of being in the know as Permanent Secretary and Vote Controller of the Ministry of Education?

Are there no other very competent pro-SLPP financial economists of very high standing public image and professional competence to be appointed to such a high profiled job at a time when what the IMF and other international financial partners want to see is fiscal discipline?

In most countries, the Finance Ministry is responsible for formulating and implementing the core financial functions of Government, and is at the center of economic and fiscal policymaking. Current design and reform prescriptions for fiscal policy and financial management tend to focus on strengthening the legal framework and business processes based on what is perceived as best practice. Another approach aims at analyzing political and other drivers within Finance Ministries in order to get traction for technical reforms.

In which light, Bread and Butter JJ Saffa and his hard working team at the Finance Ministry have been widely extolled nationally and internationally for having since he became Finance Minister in 2018 brought back fiscal discipline and prudent allocation of financial resources.

First and foremost, at a critical economic time like this, there are policy functions for the Finance Minister such as setting fiscal policy rules or targets, managing fiscal risks, developing a debt strategy, formulating the annual budget and the medium-term budget framework, and providing advice on alternative tax policy options. Such functions are at the core of a Finance Ministry’s work and occupy a substantial part of the time of its senior officials and Ministers.

What degree of public financial management, debt management and the overtly other economic qualifications needed for managing the business of finance expertly has Dennis Vandi got?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who is a Nigerian-American economist and international development expert is now the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. She is the first woman and the first African to hold the office. She sits on the Boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and the African Risk Capacity.

Okonjo-Iweala had a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist, rising to the number two position of Managing Director, Operations (2007–2011). She also served two terms as Finance Minister of Nigeria (2003–2006, 2011–2015) under President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan respectively. She was the first Nigerian woman to hold several public offices including, Minister of Finance where she served twice under two different presidents, and Foreign Affairs Minister. In 2005, Euromoney named her Global Finance Minister of the Year.

Attorney General’s Office & ACC Staff Complete US Embassy Cyber Crime Training

By Theresa Kef Sesay

In a Press Release, dated May 6, 2021 and issued by the United States Embassy in Freetown states that in a ceremony held at the Embassy, Ambassador David Reimer presented awards to ten individuals from the Attorney General’s Office and the Anti-Corruption Commission for their successful completion of a training in Cyber Investigations.

The training was conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of efforts to support and strengthen the capacity of Sierra Leonean law enforcement agencies to carry out investigations of cybercrime and utilize information technology to conduct their work.

“As nations increase access to critical information technology to improve the lives of their citizens, they become increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime,” stated Ambassador Reimer.

“Through direct capacity building efforts, the United States assists countries like Sierra Leone in establishing and executing national cybersecurity strategies, addressing cybercrime, instituting cybersecurity standards, and protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.  This work not only protects the development and digital future of Sierra Leone but also makes the world safer and more resilient against cyber threats.”

Warren Carmichael, the Assistant Regional Security Officer for Investigations, noted that, “The Office of Criminal Investigations enjoys a great working partnership with the Attorney General’s Office and the Anti-Corruption Commission and will continue working together to provide opportunities to enhance their investigative skills.”

The training recipients will use their new knowledge and skills to improve the capacity of the Attorney General’s Office and the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct cyber investigations and pursue criminal activity in cyberspace.

From the Attorney General’s Office, Umu Sumaray, Ahmed Bockarie, Joseph Sesay, Augustine Sheku and Elizabeth Jalloh received completion certificates.  From the Anti-Corruption Commission, Thomas T. Kanu, Abdul Karim Kamara, Abdulai Squire, Bernard Dixon, and Mohamed Tomboyeke completed the training.

Amb. David Reimer Leads US Embassy Team to Distribute Food Items at Fourah Bay Mosque

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 7th May, 2021 in honor of the month of Ramadan, US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Reimer led a team from the United States Embassy in distributing food packets at Friday prayers at Jamiul Atiq mosque.

The team was joined by Chief Imam of the Municipality of Freetown and Head of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, Sheikh Abu Bakarr Conteh and Chief Imam of Jamiul Atiq, Sheikh Alhassan Karim, as Staff from the United States Embassy distributed packets of rice, tomatoes, and other staples to pay tribute to Sierra Leone’s remarkable tradition of religious tolerance.

“In this month, families and communities come together, sharing food and celebrating the values Muslims hold dear – peace, tolerance and charity,” stated Ambassador Reimer. “As noted by President Biden, Muslim Americans have been a part of the United States since its founding and are part of the fabric of America.  On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish all Muslims, here in Salone, in the United States, and around the world, Ramadan Kareem.”

Ambassador Reimer also met with Sheikh Conteh to discuss the work of the Inter-Religious Council in promoting peace and stability in the country.  The Council was formed in 1997 at the offices of the United States Mission to Sierra Leone with the support of a delegation from the World Council for Peace.  Since that time, the Inter-Religious Council has worked to promote religious harmony and understanding in Sierra Leone, helping promote the democratic process and the growth of civil society.

“The Inter-Religious Council has helped to strengthen the Sierra Leonean tradition of religious tolerance,” stated Ambassador Reimer.  “The peaceful co-existence and mutual respect shown by all faiths in Sierra Leone should serve as a model for the world.”

Njala University Administration Contests ACC’s Claims of Various Malpractices

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Press Release dated 7th May, 2021 and signed by, Ralph S. Sesay, as Public Relations Officer, it was categorically stated that the attention of the Administration of the Njala University has been drawn to a Press Release from the Anti-Corruption Commission dated 29th April 2021 disclosing that its Scorpion Squad had in a sting operation in Bo arrested four (4) individuals with monies and other documents belonging to students of Njala University.

It was stated that the release went further to note that these individuals were allegedly involved in collecting monies from students of Njala University and other persons on the pretext that they would get them admitted into Njala University, or assist promote already admitted students to the next year of their course.

The Administration made it clear that while they are encouraged by the progress made so far to arrest certain individuals who are currently helping the ACC with the investigations, they are also concerned about the grave allegations from the ACC who had alleged in their release that these unscrupulous individuals were collecting monies for lecturers to be paid to give underserved grades to students.

It says it is calling on the ACC to get to the bottom of those allegations and make their findings public with a view of saving the image of the University.

Highlighted also is that the Public is however informed that senior members of the Administration have been working behind the scenes with the ACC prior to their release, providing valuable information that would help unearth the alleged conspiracy.

According to the Administration they would want to make it very clear that it has very clear and transparent Admission processes into the University and members of the public are encouraged to follow such processes rather than allowing themselves to be duped by rogue individuals.

Stated was that Njala University has continued to attract huge numbers into both its Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs and the building blocks for such has been the credibility attached to its admission and other academic processes.

Transport & Aviation Minister Launches SLRSA Strategic Road Safety Plan 2020-2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

At the Conference Room of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Youyi Building in Freetown, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), on the 6th May 2021, launched its 5 years Strategic Road Safety Plan.

The five years plan was formally launched by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh M. Kallon.

As part of lined activities, the Minister also set the stage for the observance of the Biennial Global Road Safety Week from the 17th to 23rd May 2021 on the theme: ‘Speed Management’.

Ibrahim Sannoh, Executive Director of SLRSA said the 6th United Nations Global Road Safety Week would kick off with the new Decade of Action for Road Safety furthering how the Global moment is to amplify ongoing campaigns to secure political commitment and policy change for low speed.

He recalled that in August 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 74/299, “Improving Global Road Safety”, proclaiming the Global Action 2021–2030 with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% Road Traffic Deaths and injuries by 2030.

The Executive Director said progress made during the previous Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 has laid the foundation for accelerated action in the years ahead, noting that among achievements is the inclusion of Road Safety in the Global Health and Development Agenda.

In Sierra Leone, he maintained, after the proclamation of the global action, the then Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority was transformed to the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority with the mandate to serve as the lead agency on road safety issues.

“The SLRSA has developed a Strategic Plan in line with the UN Global Action Plan and also in the process of reviewing its National Road Safety Strategy to reflect the new UN Decade of Action,” he said.

Sannoh said the UN General Assembly mandated the World Health Organisation (WHO) to plan and host UN Global Road Safety Weeks since 2007.

He revealed how the week-long activities would be an occasion to garner policy commitment at national and local levels to deliver a 30 km/h speed limit in urban centers and settlement areas and solicit general and local support for such low-speed measures to create a safe, healthy, green and liveable environment.

“All stakeholders: Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarian, NGOs, UN Agencies, Civil Society Groups, Private Companies, the media, and general public are invited to join the SLRSA in observing this very important week,” he appealed.

He encouraged journalists to join the Road Safety Bandwagon by strongly advocating for best practices in Road Safety including Low Speed, Don’t Drink, and Drive messages stressing that Reducing Road Traffic Crashes requires commitment and informed decision-making by Government, Non-Governmental Organizations, International Agencies, Civil Societies, the Media, etc. Strong public awareness campaigns, he said, are essential to raise better understanding and motivate individuals and the Government to take action.

Giving a global overview of crash data, the Executive Director said 1.24 million people are killed each year as a result of Road Traffic Crashes that is more than 3,400 deaths a day.

He said in 2020, Sierra Leone recorded 861 fatalities from Road Traffic Crashes out of that figure, 541 were male while the rests were women and children.

Globally, road traffic injuries are the 9th leading cause of death ahead of Malaria and Diabetes and not far above HIV/AIDS, which means that road traffic deaths and injuries continue to eliminate a valuable segment of the workforce.

It is estimated that 20 to 50 million are injured annually in Road Traffic Crashes. Reporting on Road Safety requires more than the death of a person or group of persons from a grisly crash

The Chairman Board of Directors of SLRSA, Sheikh Mustapha Bawoh said since he was appointed Board Chairman in 2018, much has been done and the Authority has celebrated early achievements, identified challenges, and learned some lessons.

Sheikh M. Bawoh said the SLRSA was established by a statute in 1996 to regulate, among others, the conduct of the road transport industry.

Beyond its core mandate, which is to promote and enforce road safety he noted that the SLRSA is also guided by specific legal instruments like the Sierra Leone Road Traffic Act of 2007 which deals with specific traffic management matters; the Road Traffic Regulations of 2011 that enforces road traffic laws, and the Road Transport Authority (Amendment) Act of 2003 – which gave birth to the formation of the Traffic Warden Corps and in 2016, this act was amended and we now refer to them as “Road Safety Corps”.

Bawoh said any effort to reduce road injury rates relies on the ability to gauge and mitigate situations that contribute to traffic accidents.

He said that the Strategic Road Safety Plan if fully implemented has to “Save lives, Improve Road Safety and Contribute to the National economy”. This will be done through a sustained public education campaign on road safety, the acquisition and effective use of advanced Information and Communications Technology – ICT that would facilitate a drastic reduction in the current skyrocketing crashes. He however reiterated their commitment as a Board to always stand ready to support Management as it rolls out the 5-year strategic plan.

The erstwhile Executive Director of SLRSA now Minister of Internal Affairs, David Maurice Panda-Noah, said we can only succeed in combating road fatalities with concerted effort through sustained collaboration with all and sundry. He assured of his Ministry’s support to seeing that SLRSA succeeds in implementing the 5-year plan with the much-anticipated results.

Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, the Director of Traffic Management and Road Safety at the Sierra Leone Police, AIG K.S Kamara said the SLP has been providing much-needed support to the Management of SLRSA in line with their mandate and that they will continue to cement the already existing mutual working relationship between the SLP and the SLRSA.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Transport and Aviation Hon. Kabineh M. Kallon commended the SLRSA team for what he calls “Putting the President’s Vision Into Perspective”.

The Minister appealed to all present to join the Road Safety Bandwagon and help change the many negative stories on our roads.

Consortium of Progressive Political Parties Rebuts ACC Commissioner’s Response

Interim Chairperson Consortium of Progressive Political Parties (COPPP) Ms. Femi Claudius Cole

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Public Notice released by the Consortium of Progressive Political Parties (COPPP) and signed by Ms. Femi Claudius Cole as Interim Chairperson it was highlighted that they received a news item published on the 4th May 2021 by the ACC Public Relations Unit entitled: “ACC Commissioner Responds to Political Parties’ Concerns”, furthering that they would like to state in no uncertain terms that such a news item is a lopsided and totally distorted account of the meeting which was attended by at least ten parties in the Consortium.

It continued that whereas the news report goes into lengthy detail about what the Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, said nothing is reported about the several thorny issues raised and questions asked by political parties from the floor giving the impression that the Commissioner successfully educated an ignorant group of political party leaders who went home satisfied.

“COPPP finds this style of reporting to be unprofessional and intended to mislead the public,” the Public Notice continues.

Further mentioned was that in response to their observation that the Anti-Corruption Commission, in its fight against corruption, is more focused and efficient in investigating past Government officials than current ones, the ACC Commissioner delivered a laundry list of past and present cases including convictions and acquittals of Government officials, references to international recognition of the Commission’s good works, their focus on evidence and legality, and their extensive engagement with the public.

They expressed the view that ,however, his inability to provide satisfactory answers on some key issues raised left them with no other option than to conclude that the Anti-Corruption Commission finds it difficult if not impossible to handle corruption cases that involve top political officials in the current regime.

According to COPPP some of the highlights of the meeting were as follows: that the Commissioner categorically stated that it is more difficult to probe public officials when they are in office because they have control over evidence.

They said that statement alone answers their question on why the Commission seems to be better at investigating top officials in the past Government than those in the current administration.

Members of COPPP said the Commissioner described himself as a “realist” indicating his acceptance of the status quo and that he is trying to do his best within the constraints of current realities.

They hold the view that unfortunately, that self-characterization appears to be a surrender to the norm and complete abdication of those high principles and ideals that are vested in his position.

COPPP pointed out that the Commissioner maintained that he does not do political bidding and claimed to be independent in the execution of his duties.

They said, however, when asked if he would prefer if the Anti-Corruption Commissioner was hired and fired not by the President but by an independent body, his reply was that it is what it is and this was the “reality” in most countries.

Again they pointed out that on the question of the huge amounts of money paid to the Office of the First Lady, the Commissioner repeated the official explanation that those payments were legal because the Ministry of Finance is authorized by law to spend 1% of the country’s budget to a good public cause, in this case the First Lady’s pet project: “Hands off our Girls”.

They stated that on that subject, so many questions remain, for instance, which proportion of the amounts paid to the First Lady was for the project and did it fall within the 1% limit?

COPPP said considering the plethora of good public causes being pursued by civil society programs did the First Lady’s project receive preferential treatment compared to others because of her position? What is the level of oversight exercised on the spending of public funds disbursed to the Hands off our Girls project considering that the Auditor General’s report has revealed the extreme deficiencies in financial management at the Office of the First Lady?

It was also revealed that on the very controversial case of the missing 49,000 bags of rice donated by the Chinese Government for the Free Quality Education project the impotence of the Commissioner in prosecuting cases involving very highly placed people came out very clearly.

They said he explained about the impediments he had to contend with such as not being able to access documentation relating to Cabinet decision on the distribution plan for the rice and the refusal of the then Attorney General to grant his request for the normal trial by judge alone as opposed to the risky option of trial by jury.

COPPP maintains that case remains unresolved and the Commissioner stated clearly that he will not take up this case again because he does not stand much of a chance to win it.

They said the Chinese rice case therefore stands as a monument to the ACC’s inability to function independently when potential big names are involved.

Also stated is that when asked whether the data given by the Africanist Press can be disputed, the Commissioner responded that they were factual but that they are technically not indicative of corruption since procedures like sole sourcing were perfectly legal.

They said on the issue of “wasteful spending of public funds” the Commissioner basically avoided the subject by suggesting that money can be spent as long as the law is not broken.

COPPP stated that in order to redeem its image as an impartial body that does not bend to the power of Government, the Anti-Corruption Commission needs to prove to the people that in the execution of their duties, there are no sacred cows.

“The litmus test will be for the ACC to find out who stole the rice from China,” the Public Notice ends.

It must be noted that the Consortium of Progressive Political Parties (COPPP) is a union of thirteen (13) registered political parties representing over 60% of the electorate in Sierra Leone from all regions of the country. Although the constituent political parties maintain their individual identities, COPPP provides a platform for them to pursue their primary aim and objective which is to protect democracy in Sierra Leone.

11 Mosques Benefit from Mercury International Staff & Retailers Charitable Foundation Zakat

By Amin Kef Sesay

Mercury International Staff and Retailers Charitable Foundation have supplied 11 community mosques with food items to help cushion the burden on those who can’t afford a meal to break their fast as Muslims continue to observe the Holy month of Ramadan with fasting and prayers.

With over Ten million Leones of food items distributed at the Company’s headquarter on Krootown Road, Mercury International Chief of Staff, Ms Dawn Cummings-John, explained that the company is always supporting Muslims around the country during and after the month of Ramadan.

She said: “This is a blessed month, a month the Mercury International Staff and Retailers Charitable Foundation cannot just let go without reaching out to all the Mosques within the Company’s main operational area. The donation of these food items today is our way of sharing the love of the Holy month of Ramadan with you.”

The Mercury International PR Manager, Alhaji Komba, in his brief statement said the donation was made possible through the Mercury International Staff and Retailers Charitable Foundation-a Foundation which includes staff members and retailers.

He said, in Islam, a zakat is a form of almsgiving and a religious obligation which, by the Quranic ranking, is next after prayer in importance, the more reason the Foundation highly consider the Muslims in this holy month.

“Ramadan is a special month of blessing and alms giving, and the gesture today is Mercury International special way to give back to our Muslim brothers and sisters around this community as our own way of support as you go through the blessed month,” he said.

The Mercury International IT Manager, Nader Saad, before doing the symbolic handing over of the food items, said because Mercury International Staff and Retailers Charitable Foundation consider the month of Ramadan as a special month, the more reason the company decided to give its support in a special way to the Muslims.

One of the beneficiaries, who received the items on behalf of his Jamaat, Alusine Kamara of Light of Islam Mosque, Kingtom, thanked Mercury International for remembering them in the Holy month and prayed that they blossom as a company. He said the items are well appreciated and would be distributed for the intended purpose.

Masjid Khuba, Masjid Hamdalaye, Light of Islam Roberts Street, Masjid Tawbah, Masjid Mahmoud, Masjid Sabireen, Masjid Mujahedeen, Light of Islam Kingtom, Al Haq, Masjid Alminya, Masjid Almumin are the Mosques that benefitted from the Mercury International Staff and Retailers Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation has recently reached out with a similar donation to the King George’s Home, Grafton, the St Mary’s Fatima Interim Child Care Center, Peninsular, Number 2 River, and the physically challenged at the Cotton Tree.

Amongst the donated items were 11 Bags of rice, 11 Gallons of cooking oil, bags of salt, cartons of tin tomatoes, Ovaltine, carton of milk, pure water etc.

The Mercury International Staff and Retailers Charitable Foundation delegation included the PR Manager, Alhaji Komba, IT Manager, Nader Saad, Deputy Public Relations Manager, Sahr Morris Jr, and Website and Social Media Operator, Yanshim Ibrahim Yansaneh.

Orange SL Takes Jammah Sunakati to Kenema

By Edward Vamboi

Orange Sierra Leone has taken the Jammah Sunakati to the Eastern District of Kenema. The event brought together hundreds of Muslims at one of the iconic mosques in the region, Blama Road Mosque.

This is the third consecutive week that the company has organized Iftar for hundreds of Muslims. The events brought together hundreds of Muslims who prayed and later ate together to end their long day fasting.

Over the last two weeks the Jammah Sunakati was taken to three locations in the country; Dwarzark in the Western Urban Area, Waterloo in the Western Rural Area and Kenema in the Eastern Province, benefiting close to 2,000 Muslims in all these areas combined.

Martha Sumaila, Brand Manager at Orange Sierra Leone, who herself was among the women that cooked for the Jammah in Kenema, said Orange Sierra Leone is offering such gestures simply because it is the month of giving.

“We are doing this because we know Ramadan is a time to share and we are sharing food with Muslims across the country. We are cooking together with residents in communities and eating together with them because we believe that the spirit of unity is a good thing during this period,” Martha stated.

Hundreds of Muslim worshippers sit side by side happily sharing food and communing with each other. Jammah Sunakati has sought to promote the spirit of unity and a sense of community bond everywhere it has been taken.

“I am happy that they have re-energized our community. We are grateful for the support that they have given us. They made their way from the capital up to here to share Sunakati with us. This is a great gesture. We pray for Allah’s guidance and blessings for them,” a Sheikh commended the move made by the company.

Jamma Sunakati is not the only initiative rolled out by Orange during this Ramadan, the company has set aside Le510 million to be given away in food items with ten random customers winning Le750, 000 every day.

Weekly draws on Saturday have also seen customers win Le50 million in the form of food provisions.

Smile Train, MOH Sensitize 132 PHUs Health Workers on Cleft Lip and Cleft Plate Disorders

By Patrick A. Kai

Smile Train, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), through the Kenema District Health Management Team (DHMT) has on the 6th May, 2021 concluded a nationwide awareness raising campaign to identify and conduct free surgery on children and adults suffering from Cleft Lip and Cleft Plate disorders.

The launch of the campaign, which took place at the Environmental Health Office at Maxwell Khobe Street in Kenema, attracted health care staff in all the 132 PHUs and community stakeholders drawn from various communities within the district.

During a presentation, the District Health Officer informed the health workers that they were gathered together in order to refresh their memories on Cleft Lip and Cleft Plate disorders as well as to plan for the battle against the abnormal conditions.

Dr. Donald S. Grant stated that Cleft Lip and Cleft Plate disorders are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth or both. According to him these disorders occur when tissues in the baby’s face and mouth don’t fuse properly.

He furthered that in most cases they are caused by a combination or an interaction of genetic and environmental factors adding that pregnant women, who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or take certain medications are at higher risks of having babies with birth defects.

Dr. Grant revealed that the Ministry of Health is pushing hard to ensure that the masses are aware about Cleft lip and Cleft Plate disorders which have been considered incurable by them.

This perception, he said, must be changed adding that children born with these abnormal conditions do not wish to have them.

He intimated that surgeries will be conducted to remedy those conditions in Kenema disclosing how the District Medical Superintendent is out of the country to acquire more training on how to deal with such conditions.

That news was welcomed with a big round of applause by the medical practitioners.

Dr. Donald Grant maintained that the signs and symptoms of sub mucous Cleft Plate and Cleft  Lip are difficulty experienced to conveniently eat, swallow, possibility for liquids or food to come out through the nose, a nasal speaking voice, sounding like the person is speaking through the nose amongst others.

He urged them to identify and sensitize residents in their localities not to abandon children with such disorders.

Dr. Grant encouraged them to further admonish parents to visit the closest health facility with their children whenever they suspect such conditions stressing that traditional concoction could not cure them.

The program ended with the distribution of the Awareness Raising T-shirts and caps believing that such materials will enhance the sensitization drive.

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