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New Health Minister Urged to Incorporate Health NGOs

Dr. Austin Hinga Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a press release from People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health (PARHA) dated 15th February 2021, the organization called for a strong partnership between the new Health and Sanitation Minister, and urged for a stronger partnership with Health-based organisations and networks.

The People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Advocacy (PARHA), in the press release, welcomed the appointment of Dr. Austin Hinga Demby as Minister of Health and Sanitation, replacing Dr. Alpha T. Wurie, who diligently served in that role since 2018.

The release added that Dr. Demby comes with vast experience and an impressive track record in managing public health emergencies and health care systems – which are needed in responding to the challenges that confront Sierra Leone’s health care system.

An epidemiologist and virologist by training, Dr. Demby is a founding member of the CDC’s Global AIDS Programme, and helped to lead efforts to establish HIV offices in five African countries. From 2011-16, he served as the Director and Deputy Principal for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), where he managed the Department’s $2 Billion global HIV/AIDS portfolio. In 2014-2015, Dr. Demby also played a key role in the U.S. Government’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.

The PARHA release stated that it is confident that Dr. Demby will use his experience and knowledge to help respond to the many challenges that confront Sierra Leone’s health system. To do so, however, he would need the required financial and technical support from the Government of Sierra Leone, as well as strong partnerships and alliances with both local and international non-governmental organisations and networks. The PARHA release urged the new minister to work collaboratively with both local and international organisations and networks by, among other things, establishing or strengthening existing frameworks for data collection and management, resource management, legal and institutional reform, and coordinated interventions.

PARHA in its release said it is currently working with state and non-state actors to enact a Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health (SMRH) law that seeks to help reform the health sector and also prioritize the reproductive health rights of women and young girls in Sierra Leone.

Since its establishment about 4 years ago, the PARHA coalition has worked concertedly with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, local and international non-governmental organizations, as well as influential individuals in the Sierra Leonean society to address the legal and institutional bottlenecks that impede access to sexual reproductive health right services in Sierra Leone.

 

Water Sector Benefits from India’s $15M Loan

By Amin Kef Sesay

Government of the Republic of India has signed a financing agreement with the government of Sierra Leone, wherein it is providing a $15 million loan in support of a drinking water project in the country. Funds will be provided through the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India, which is a specialized financial institution set up for financing, facilitating, and promoting foreign trade of the South Asian country. It is wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of India.

According to the Indian High Commission in Freetown, the funds will particularly be used to increase the capacity of drinking water facilities in four cities in the country.  These cities include Mongo in Falaba District, Njala-Mokonde in Moyamba District, Mattru Jong in Bonthe District, and Daru in Kailahun District.

Jacob Jusu Saffa, Minister of Finance, explained that the civil war in Sierra Leone between March 1991 and early January 2002 caused the destruction of drinking water installations in those four towns, adding that their rehabilitation and construction would significantly reduce the lack of drinking water in the targeted areas.

More than 100,000 Sierra Leoneans are expected to benefit from continuous access to drinking water following the completion of the project.

The project is also expected to solely increase the current national drinking water coverage by about 0.6%, and contribute to the government’s plans to increase the rate of access to drinking water from the current 59.6% to at least 80% come the year 2023.

Two In Police Net over Illegal Possession of Firearms

By Jonathan Hindolo Kurabu D Catalyst

Police officers attached at the Moyamba Junction Police Station, over the weekend, arrested one Issa Kamara for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

Officer Commanding Moyamba Junction Police Station, Inspector Sultan Sewa, confirmed that the suspect, in his mid-40s, is alleged to have participated in robbery attacks within Moyamba District and beyond.

Suspect, Issa Kamara, an ex-combatant, is believed to have spent considerable time in Liberia before returning to his village in Gbapi Junction, Songo Section, Fakunya Chiefdom, Moyamba District, where he is alleged to have been busy terrorizing harmless civilians.

He was arrested together with an accomplice, Zenaida Libi, aged 32, whom Issa Kamara is alleged to have obtained the firearm from.

Both suspects have been taken to Moyamba Divisional Headquarters for safe keeping, while investigation continues.

As 3 Die in Guinea… Sierra Leone Reactivates Ebola Alert

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a Press Release dated 14 February 2021, from the Government of the Republic of Guinea, confirming seven reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) including three deaths in that country, President Julius Maada Bio, instructed the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to inform the general public that even though there are no reported cases of EVD in Sierra Leone, the government should take prudent action to prevent any introduction of the virus into the country and to institute measures to protect the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

In this direction, the government of Sierra Leone has activated its Health Emergency Response System to level II (Enhanced Surveillance, Active Case Finding and robust Community Engagement).

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has however reassured the general public that it will build on its expertise and experience to mount a solid response that not only prevents the re-emergence of Ebola into the country, but should the virus emerge, the MoHS already has a strong system that protects the lives of all Sierra Leoneans and interrupts the transmission of the virus.

With the border with the Republic of Guinea currently closed, Health Authorities and local stakeholders in the districts bordering Guinea and Sierra Leone have been supported to heighten Ebola surveillance, and improve community awareness, including appropriate preparedness measures. National Rapid Response Teams are being dispatched to provide additional support to the District Health Management Teams. “We intend to work very closely with our Guinean counterparts to quickly contain the situation”, the release added.

EVD is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The virus is suspected to be transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. It can be transmitted through human contact with body fluids of a person infected with the virus.

Major symptoms of the disease can include some of the following: fever, sometimes unexplained bleeding tendencies from nose, gums, vagina, skin or eyes, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation is however encouraging the general public to be vigilant and report all suspected cases and deaths through the 117 toll-free hot line, or to their local authorities.

Meanwhile, the Government of Sierra Leone intends to collaborate very closely with all our local, regional, and international partners, especially partners of the Mano River Union

NP-SL’s Castrol GTX Engine Oil Supersedes

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has started its Castrol GTX Loyalty Lucky Dip Promotion on 15th February 2021 countrywide.

The promotion ensures that no one loses, as everybody that takes part gets a prize, including the losers. The promotion, since it started, is attracting customers to all the different outlets of the company across the country.

Castrol GTX lubricant has various advantages; one of which include enhancement of the efficiency of engines. The Castrol GTX Lubricant has the quality of longevity, as it lasts longer and minimizes emission and helps to clean engines or machines.

“Castrol GTX Lubricant is one lubricant which can be secured at reduced cost, and by that I mean, it can last longer as opposed to other lubricants of inferior quality,” said the Sales Supervisor of NP-SL Ltd, Leon Aboko Cole, intimating that it gives satisfaction and assurance. He went on to say that sub-standard oil comes with a lot of problems, but categorically stated that Castrol GTX is very effective and less costly.

He revealed that the Castrol GTX Loyalty Lucky Dip Promotion that commenced on 15th February 2021, will last up to the 14th March 2021.

“ In other words, it is going to be a four week promotion, which forms part of our yearly activities, as a way of giving back to our esteemed customers in order for them to identify with the brand,” the Sales Supervisor stated.

He added that whenever a customer buys any Castrol GTX, he or she automatically becomes eligible to be part of the promo, adding that GTX represents strength.

“When a customer buys 5L Castrol GTX (20w50 or GTX Diesel) he or she will have the chance to have one dip, and for GTX Ultraclean; he or she has 3 dips,” he disclosed, adding that there are two things to be discovered on the slip, one of which is WINNER or Sorry! Buy More GTX.

He said a winner must leave his or her name and telephone number with the Station Manager of the Filling Station where the Castrol lubricant was bought, and he or she will be contacted by the Sales Supervisor.

Leon said nobody goes empty handed, as even losers will have some form of compensation.

He said flyers are already placed at strategic locations to inform the public, and shops have been activated to give the Promo wider coverage.

“Caution should be taken of the specific type of Castrol oil to be used, but the Ultraclean 10w40 is a multi-grade oil that can be used in hotter countries. GTX 20w50, though good for petrol engines, is also a multi-purpose oil,” he disclosed, adding that they have conducted trainings for automobile mechanics and their pump attendants in order for them to know the various specifications, which will help them to guide customers.

He said that the Castrol oil in the white rubber is the one that is most often used, as it maintains temperature and can be used on petrol engines.

The Sales Supervisor revealed that the ultra-clean Castrol oil is going for Le250, 000 and the others for Le200, 000.

As the country’s leading petroleum business entity, NP-SL Ltd, has become a household name, as it continues to offer qualitative products to its numerous customers. It cannot be swept under the carpet that the company is a major source of inspiration to Sierra Leoneans who are ambitious of establishing business entities that will grow to the magnitude of NP.

It is on record that the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited, apart from being lauded as one of Sierra Leone’s biggest tax payers, is also held in high esteem for its invaluable contributions towards building the country’s economy.

The company has worked hard over the years, evident in the opening of filling stations in various parts of the country, and it is vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

This 100% indigenously-owned company has so far offered various jobs to residents in the afore-mentioned countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

Without mincing the truth, NP has a capable and competent managerial team at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those ideas are effusively, effectively implemented to create value for money.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centrepiece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region.

The synergy that runs through its members of staff has also contributed to the company’s growth.

NP-SL by giving preference to employing Sierra Leoneans is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy. Utilizing local talents make it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through training courses that could be applicable in other places.

Indeed, NP-SL Ltd is a true partner in development, and cares for its esteemed customers wherever it is operating.

India Provides Medicines For The People Of Sierra Leone To Fight COVID19

By India High Commission

India’s High Commissioner Rakesh Arora on behalf of his Government handed over a large consignment of medicines from India for the people of Sierra Leone to fight COVID-19. The medicines were handed over to Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health & Sanitation, Dr. Amara Jambai, at a ceremony held at the Ministry. Others present on the occasion included Permanent Secretary of Health Mr Morie Momoh, Director of Middle East & Asia Division, Mr. Kai Brima from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Director, National Medical Supply Agency (NMSA).

The medicines included Azithromycin 250 mg Tab (200,000); Azithromycin 500 mg Tab (200,000); Hydroxycholoroquine 200 mg Tab (200,000); Cefotaxime Sodium 1000 mg Injection (100800); Metronidazole 5 mg/ml 100 ML IV (10000); Chloroquine 250 mg Tab (200,000); Levocetrizine 5 mg Tab (100,000); Ibuprofen 400 mg Tab (100,000); Paracetamol 500 mg Tab (200,000); Montelukast 10 mg Tab (50,000); Cebtriaxone 500 mg Injection (10000); Ceftriaone 1 gm Injection (10000).

Dr. Jambai profusely thanked the Government of India for providing large quantities of medicines to Sierra Leone to fight Covid-19 and conveyed that this consignment has come at a critical time when Sierra Leone is trying to cope up with a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. He stated that although there is an increase in covid cases in Sierra Leone, the intensity of the infection is still mild, and if there is any need, they would certainly look upon India for supply of vaccines manufactured in India.

He appreciated India for being a destination for global medical tourism and that India is a preferred destination for medical treatment by Sierra Leoneans. He expressed deep desire to continue partnership in medical field with India and sought assistance in providing expertise and training to enable them to be self-sufficient.

Other speakers, Director, MFA, and Director, National Medical Supply Agency, also expressed deep appreciation to the Government of India for timely supply of medicines to fight COVID-19 at this crucial juncture.

High Commissioner Rakesh Arora briefly mentioned about donation of medicines by India to several African countries affected by COVID-19 in keeping with India’s traditionally strong bond of friendship and solidarity with Africa, developments in India about COVID-19 vaccines, as well as India’s capacity building ITEC programmes.

Govt. Allocates Le100B to Support SMES 

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 12 February 2021 President Julius Maada Bio unveiled the Munafa Fund in Magburaka, after directing Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, to pronounce Le100 Billion for the National Microcredit Scheme for 2021 to 2023 to support small and medium enterprises under the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, experts consulted stakeholders, businesses, commercial banks, and even Non-Governmental Organisations, nationwide.

He said they are therefore pleased to launch the National Micro-Finance Programme, the MUNAFA Fund. “For the first three months of this 2021, Government is disbursing Le26.05 Billion to 11 financial service providers. These Financial Service Providers will then go on to lend money out to 4,100 beneficiaries targeted in every district,” he said.

President Bio also disclosed that the Service Providers had been hired through a competitive process and they would cover all districts and the Western Area, adding that the loans would be given out in groups of 5 or 10 and the loan size would initially be Le5 million and Le10 million. He encouraged prospective beneficiaries to adhere to the rules, promising that if they did the amount would be increased to Le15 million and even Le20 or Le25 million as an incentive. “This is not free money. This is money that we expect you to invest and payback.

The difference is that, unlike the loans from Commercial Banks, the interest rate is set below 10%. This rate, we believe, will not pose a burden for people. Government will not be directly involved in managing this loan scheme. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA) will play an oversight role in order to ensure that services are effectively delivered, and business development services are provided,” he said, adding that they had also taken into consideration lessons learned from similar initiatives, which was why they introduce an innovative governance structure with strict safeguards.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Edward Hinga Sandi, said for the past months the Government had been working on sustainable ways of helping business people in the country and now they had had a solution with the launch of the Munafa Fund.

Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, said that the project is here to stay and that it would increase its funding to beneficiaries every year, adding that beneficiaries should treat the funds with seriousness because they are expected to pay back.

The Minister ended by saying that the fund would help to address the “bread and butter” issues in the country.

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Minister of Gender and Children Affairs said they were pleased for the development as it would help young people, especially women who are in the business sector.

Bolloré Supports Over 1000 Pupils with School Materials

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of the implementation of its Corporate Social Responsibility and support to the Government’s Free Quality Education initiative , the Bolloré Transport & Logistics Company has on Friday 12th February 2021, donated school materials, comprising Books, Pens, Pencils, Bags etc. worth millions of Leones to over 1,350 pupils who are residents of both the Moa Wharf and Sea Side communities. The donation ceremony took place at the Moa Wharf Community and Sea Side Community respectively.

Presenting the items, the General Manager of Bolloré Transport & Logistics Company, Bertrand Kerghelen noted that they are very pleased to donate the various school materials to the less privileged as part of the company’s social responsibility which  is geared towards complementing the Government Free Quality Education Initiative in the country.

He added that the donation of the school items to these 1,350 pupils  within the two communities is a fulfilment of the vision of the organization to support education even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The General Manager admonished them to make good use of the donated items and also went further to inspire them to take their studies serious underscoring that education is the key to success.

He assured them of the company’s continuous support towards the development of children.

Community Chairman of Moa Wharf community, Abu-Bakarr Barrie, showered praises on Bolloré Transport & Logistics Company for the gesture which he described as a move in the right direction towards the development of children in their community.

He revealed that this is not the first time they have received such a gesture from Bolloré Transport & Logistics Company saying they have been rendering various assistances including this latest one every year in order to support these children in their academic pursuits.

He also admonished beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity saying many other children want such an opportunity. He assured all that they will ensure that they monitor the use of these items as they have already set up a Committee that will be monitoring these children in order to use these items for the intended purpose.

Head of Communications/Public Relations at Bollore Transport and Logistics, Gassimu S. Fofana, also disclosed that as a company they are very committed to rendering support towards educational advancement in the country stating that the donation of the items to the beneficiaries is a clear manifestation of that commitment.

He further revealed that prior to this latest donation the company on Wednesday 13th January 2021, dished out scholarships worth Le79, 023,000 to twenty-seven (27) University students who are residents of both the Moa Wharf and Sea Side communities and that the 27 beneficiaries were selected from different Universities across the country namely Fourah Bay College (FBC), College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), UNITECH etc.

Isatu Kanu, a beneficiary thanked Bolloré Transport & Logistics Company for the kind gesture which she graciously said is not only important but very timely in the midst of COVID-19 in the country, adding that the gesture will ease the burden on parents to purchase school materials.

She called on other humanitarian organizations to come on board to support less privileged children living in slum communities.

Yusuf Koroma, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, expressed his deepest appreciation to the organization for the gesture, adding that with the organization’s support it will lessen the financial burden on them as parents to purchase school materials for their children.

NATCOM & Liberia Telecommunications Authority Hold Fruitful Discussions

By Alhaji Sowa

The National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), the country’s telecommunications regulator, recently played host, from the 10th to 12th February 2021,  to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), another regulator of similar nature in that country.

When the LTA landed at Jendema on the Liberia border, they were received by a team of NATCOM officials. Among the visiting team were the Acting Chairman/Commissioner, Maria Harrison, Commissioners Isreal Akinsanya, Jaiah Massaquoi, James Lynch, Natalie Kollie, Numene T.H.Bartekwa among others.

The rationale behind the visit was geared towards enhancing and deepening collaboration between the two regulators, which according to both sides, is very critical in the telecommunications eco-system.

Among the issues that the team from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority raised for discussions were collaboration for the 18th Annual General Meeting of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulator Assembly (WATRA), free roaming, cross border coordination and rural connectivity (Universal Access).

Ambassador Joe Blell, the Chairman/Commissioner of NATCOM, warmly welcomed the LTA delegation to Sierra Leone and told them to be at ease whilst they are in the country. He highlighted that there has been a long sisterly tie between the two countries furthering that NATCOM is always willing to collaborate with its partner with the main objective of improving the quality of telecommunications services in both countries.

He noted that  there is the need for both regulators to be sharing ideas and experiences from time to time on how to enhance telecommunications in both countries that will better improve the lives of people as well as to mobilize meaningful revenue for the Governments of both countries.

On his part, the Director General of NATCOM, Daniel Kaitibi, expressed delight for receiving the delegation from Liberia adding that it is indeed very imperative to speak on cross-pollination of ideas and share experiences. The result-oriented DG said they will frankly discuss the issues that the LTA delegation raised as well as others further maintaining that he is looking forward to join forces together with a view of enhancing improved telecommunications, Information, Communications and Technology for development.

He intimated that the meeting between the two regulators is really in tune with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of fast tracking the digital transformation in Sierra Leone.

Speaking on behalf of the LTA delegation, Commissioner Isreal Akinsanya expressed appreciation for the cordial welcome his delegation received from NATCOM.

He noted that the discussions between the delegation from LTA and NATCOM would further help them to assess and manage future spectrum demand.

Areas like Tomorrow’s Communications, relating to Spectrum solutions and expertise in Spectrum Management, Radio Monitoring, Network Planning, Implementation and Optimization were also thoroughly discussed in a well-structured dialogue.

Discussions were also held by the LTA delegation with the Mano River Union Secretariat and the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Indeed, it is evidently clear that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) now form the backbone in the digital economy of today. In that regard, it is very significant for regulators to be frankly collaborating in order to get the regulatory environment right.

Lady P & the Sex Work Sisterhood in Makeni

By Tyson Conteh

BBC Africa Eye documentary follows the life of a group of sex workers in Sierra Leone, where sex workers are often seen as immoral outcasts to be shunned and avoided, even though their profession is legal.

BBC Africa Eve investigates an unsolved murder of a sex worker in the country and uncovers a world where women who sell sex are often trafficked, abused, attacked and even killed.

Local filmmaker Tyson Conteh, follows a group of sex workers in the city of Makeni, led by a woman called Lady P who is on a mission to fight for justice and improve their rights.

Recently there have been a spate of brutal murders against sex workers. With children to provide for and no partner around to help, they have no choice but to carry on. The Coronavirus pandemic has only served to make their survival even more precarious.

Curfews have reduced the hours they work and social distancing has kept many customers away. Even though their job is legal, sex workers don’t get Government cash to ease the impact of coronavirus, unlike many others.

There are estimated to be more than a thousand sex workers in the city. They regularly face the threat of physical and sexual violence from men, with little protection from the law – and the Police are sometimes the culprits.

Lady P is known as the matriarch among the sex workers. Her story is in many ways, the story of Sierra Leone over the last 30 years. Despite suffering so much pain, she shows great strength and courage.

At the age of 10, she witnessed the killing of her aunt and her grandma during the country’s brutal civil war in the nineties. She was then captured by rebel forces and taken to Liberia. Lady P finally returned to Sierra Leone in 2002 to find the country devastated and she had no choice but to become a sex worker at the age of 14.

In 2014, and by now married with children, the deadly Ebola epidemic wiped out her family. But she does not let this tragic past stop her. Lady P says “Because of the bad things that happened to me, from my life experiences, I want to make sure it does not happen to others. Because of that I stand firm, I fight hard and fight to my last drop of blood to make sure every sex worker knows their rights no matter what.”

During the course of making the film, one of the women from the group, called Gina, was brutally murdered. She broke lockdown rules and her mutilated body was dumped in a swamp.

Meanwhile, another member of Lady’s P’s group, Isata, is badly beaten up by a client. Isata is a 21-year-old single mother who turned to sex work at the age of 14. A few weeks later, when Tyson goes back to see how Isata is doing she has disappeared.

With Lady P’s help, eventually they discover she has been trafficked to The Gambia, a notorious sex tourism hotspot. She and another sex worker from Makeni, called IK, get trafficked even further to Senegal and are eventually abandoned in Mali.

This latest investigation from BBC Africa Eye takes you deep into the world of sex workers. What hope is there for these women? Will the Police find out who murdered Gina? Will Isata and IK make it safely back to Sierra Leone or will they suffer the fate of so many other sex workers?

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