By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
NP (SL) on Saturday, 28 March 2026, sustained its commitment to employee wellness and preventive healthcare by continuing its monthly health walk initiative, a programme that has become a cornerstone of the company’s staff welfare strategy.
The exercise, which has grown into a regular feature on the company’s health calendar, commenced at the Golf Club, proceeded to the Aberdeen Turntable and concluded at the starting point, drawing active participation from the Chief Executive Officer, Senior Management and Staff across all departments. Designed to promote physical fitness, the initiative encourages healthy lifestyles and deepens awareness of preventive health practices among employees, reflecting NP (SL)’s recognition that a healthy workforce is critical to productivity and overall organizational efficiency.
As part of the programme, the company’s Resident Medical Doctor, Dr. Abdul Kalokoh, delivered a comprehensive health talk focusing on vitamin deficiencies, which he described as an increasingly significant public health concern. He expressed concern over the rising number of vitamin-related deficiencies in Sierra Leone, particularly vitamin D deficiency, attributing the trend largely to modern indoor lifestyles that limit exposure to natural sunlight, a key factor in the body’s production of vitamin D.
Dr. Abdul Kalokoh explained that many individuals now spend most of their time indoors, moving between air-conditioned homes, offices, kitchens and vehicles, with minimal exposure to sunlight. He further noted that individuals with darker skin, who naturally have higher melanin levels, already face reduced efficiency in vitamin D production, a situation that is further exacerbated by limited outdoor exposure.
Drawing from clinical observations, he disclosed that an increasing number of patients have anaemia deficiency, vitamin D deficiency and vitamin C deficiency. He linked those conditions to poor dietary habits, including excessive reliance on fast foods, consumption of highly processed rice and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. He also cautioned against poor food preparation methods, noting that excessive heating and repeated reheating of vegetables significantly diminish their nutritional value.
The medical expert highlighted that symptoms such as persistent bone, knee and back pain are often associated with low vitamin D levels, warning that untreated deficiencies could lead to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. He advised staff to adopt healthier routines, including regular outdoor exercise and deliberate exposure to sunlight, suggesting that beachside activities provide added benefits due to cleaner air and a more refreshing environment.
Dr. Abdul Kalokoh further identified additional warning signs of vitamin deficiencies, including recurrent gum swelling, frequent illness, dry skin, scalp issues, hair problems and chronic fatigue. Addressing women’s health, he noted that iron deficiency remains prevalent among women in Sierra Leone, often linked to menstrual blood loss and post-childbirth complications, and recommended regular haemoglobin checks for early detection and treatment.
He also emphasized the importance of essential vitamins, noting that vitamin A supports eye health, vitamin B complex aids overall body function and recovery, while vitamin E contributes to healthy skin and hair. He called for increased attention to children’s nutrition, warning that poor feeding habits are contributing to malnutrition and developmental challenges.
Speaking to The Calabash Newspaper, NP (SL) Sales Manager, Manso Augustine Kamara, reaffirmed that the monthly health walk forms part of the company’s broader employee welfare programme. He stressed that staff well-being remains a top priority, noting that the initiative has significantly reduced hospital visits among employees, indicating improved overall health outcomes.
Manso Augustine Kamara further stated that the company’s retained medical professionals have consistently commended NP (SL) for maintaining one of the most robust employee medical support systems in the country. He added that beyond physical health, the initiative has contributed to improved mental alertness, cognitive ability and efficiency at work.
He underscored that regular walking has proven medical benefits, particularly in enhancing memory retention and mental sharpness, which are essential in a highly competitive corporate environment. According to him, the initiative has played a key role in strengthening workforce performance and productivity.
He called on other institutions across Sierra Leone to prioritize employee welfare, emphasizing that workers remain the most valuable asset of any organisation and that investment in staff health translates directly into improved performance and long-term institutional success.
The continuation of the monthly health walk initiative reflects NP (SL)’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of wellness, preventive healthcare and sustainable workforce development within Sierra Leone’s corporate sector.
