Standard Times Newspaper

28/12/2024

TWO YEAR OLD DIES IN SOCIETY BUSH....LEADERS ON THE RUN

23/12/2024

Pettan Wellness Center
Empowers Girls & Women in Deprived Communities

Pettan Wellness Center, a Community-Based Organization led by Sister Stella Fatmata Alpha, a U.S.-trained Nurse and Community Advocate, is committed to transforming the lives of girls and women in underserved communities. Aligned with the motto “Empower and Educate,” the organization focuses on providing education, resources, and life skills to foster independence and improve health outcomes.

Mission and Objectives

Sister Stella Fatmata Alpha emphasizes that Pettan Wellness Center aims to address critical issues such as access to education, sexual health awareness, and capacity building. Through targeted initiatives, the organization seeks to:
Raise Health Awareness:
• Conduct health education sessions on sexual and reproductive health.
• Provide counseling and workshops on mental health, nutrition, and personal hygiene.
Distribute Essential Resources:
• Distribute hygiene kits, sanitary materials, and STI prevention tools such as condoms.
• Provide access to local health services for screenings and consultations.
Empower Through Education:
• Offer scholarships and mentorship programs to encourage school retention.
• Implement after-school programs focused on academic support and personal development.
Build Capacity:
• Organize life skills training in areas such as communication, goal-setting, financial literacy, and self-advocacy.
• Develop peer mentorship programs where older mentors guide younger beneficiaries.
Enhance Community Engagement:
• Partner with local schools, clinics, and NGOs for health awareness campaigns.
• Introduce tech-based learning tools for both academic and health education.

Key Program Components

Health and Wellness Initiatives
• STI Prevention and Sexual Health Awareness: Deliver comprehensive workshops on STI prevention, consent, and reproductive health tailored to young girls and women.
• Workshops & Counseling: Interactive sessions addressing mental health, self-esteem, and the importance of regular health checkups.

Educational Support
• Scholarship Programs: Financial assistance for girls to access and continue their education.
• Mentorship and After-School Support: Pairing students with mentors and providing resources to foster academic success.

Life Skills Development
• Training Modules: Focused on building critical skills, including leadership, communication, and decision-making.
• Entrepreneurship Workshops: Teach practical skills that can translate into income-generating opportunities for women and girls.

Community Campaigns
• Collaborate with local leaders, schools, and health services to promote the importance of education and health.
• Launch digital campaigns to reach a broader audience with messages about health and wellness.

Outcomes and Impact

Through these initiatives, Pettan Wellness Center aims to achieve:
• A measurable reduction in STI rates among girls and women in target communities.
• Increased school enrollment and retention rates.
• Improved self-confidence and decision-making skills among beneficiaries.
• Strengthened partnerships with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to complement national health initiatives.

Vision for the Future

Chief Executive Officer Stella Fatmata Alpha envisions a future where girls and women in deprived communities are empowered to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By providing resources, education, and mentorship, Pettan Wellness Center seeks to create a sustainable impact that will uplift individuals and communities for generations to come.

20/12/2024

Results On Family Planning Study
CPHI – SL & MOH Disseminate






The Centre for Community and Public Health Improvement, Sierra Leone (CPHI - SL), headed by the Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Dr. Alhassan Fouard Kanu in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners on Wednesday 18th December, 2024 presented their findings on Family Planning Study at the Family Kingdom Hall, Aberdeen in Freetown.

The event attracted Health professionals, Directors and Program Managers, District Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents and District Health Sisters. Development partners: UN agencies, FCDO and World Bank, Implementing partners; National and International Non - government organizations, and Civil Society Organisations.

According to the Founder and Chief Executive officer Dr. Alhassan Fouard Kanu, the Center for Community and Public Health Improvement (CPHI) was selected to serve as an in-country research partner for Sierra Leone to conduct the research on Exemplars in Family Planning alongside Bolivia, Kenya, Lao PDR, Malawi and Senegal.
He noted that Family Planning is not just a health issues, but living a productive life.
It is a critical level in promoting and creating equable system for those in hard to reach areas.
They are committed to work with government and partners as the study shows what works and what does not work.
He noted what to share as there is need to learn from key lessons that will be acceptable and accessible to all despite the income background, They remained committed to work in achieving the goals of universal access to all in the country.
This research aims to identify actionable drivers of success and contextual insights and explore equity dimensions of key approaches and outcomes.

The Keynote Speaker Dr Sartie Kanneh commended the strides of the Centre for Community and Public Health Improvement, Sierra Leone in ensuring that the research project is here. The Chief Medical Officer expressed delight to witness this event and furthered that the ministry is striving hard with the goal of zero maternal death.
Sierra Leone is recognized as number six in improving the work on Family Planning and other countries are eager to learn from our experience.

The United Nations Agency Representative, (UNFPA) Dr Okoro expressed delight to listen to the findings and underscored the efforts that women and girls are having the correct information in making decisions.
He noted that Family Planning is a tool in improving the health and advancing gender equality, and that government and partners continue to provide lifesaving medicines.
He furthered that the supply chain is important to insure commodities reach the communities at the appropriate time.
The CPHI - SL is a community and public health improvement national NGO that provides community - based preventive and promotive services, including research and public health consultancies; with its motto: "Healthy you, Healthy community, Healthy nation".

17/12/2024

RETIRED MAJOR SENGU SPEAKS TOUGH
ENERGY SECTOR
By. Yayah k Brima


Retired Major Sengu Koroma has revealed to this medium that the Energy sector seems to be the nightmare for every leader that takes power in Sierra Leone. It is unfortunate that during campaign period they will present it, as if they are the solutions to the old problem.
It must be noted that after the rebel war, during the era of late President Dr. Ahmed Tejah Kabba, millions of dollars were injected into the energy sector, but nothing tangible was reflected and at the end, generators became the main source of energy supply across the country.
He furthered that under former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s era, millions of dollars were also allocated for the completion of Bumbuna hydroelectric dam and the maintenance of Dodo mini hydro dam, but the problem remains the same.
The Ernest Koroma’s government also signed an MOU with Karpowership from Turkey for energy supply in to the capital city, the country remains shackled by unreliable electricity supply and exorbitant rising cost.
When President Julius Maada Bio assumed office, his government criticized the former government of fraud and mismanagement of State resources. Bio's government even threatened to terminate the Karpowership Contract, but at the end they continue with the same Turkish company for energy supply.
Members of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party are boosting of having energy supply from the Ivory Coast for the provinces, failing to take into consideration the disadvantages of depending on other countries for electricity supply.
With all what this government said about 24 hours uninterrupted energy supply, Kenema and Bo now go without light for days.
The recent statement made by President Bio concerning the behavior of EDSA staff shows clear manifestation that the President is not happy with the operations at the energy sector.
In an interview recently with former Deputy Minister of Energy and later Minister of Internal Affairs during Ernest Bai Koroma’s regime who later declared his political support for President Bio's before the 2023 elections, Maj. Rtd. Ismeal Sengu Koroma noted that the Energy sector needs proper supervision and screening.
The Energy Sector needs young and active people at the helm of affairs, any country with stable and effective energy supply will help create jobs, reduce poverty, attract foreign investors and help boost the economy.
Bio's government is on record as one that has scored a high mark in the Energy Sector.
“I am a Sierra Leonean, my loyalty is for Sierra Leoneans, I will support whoever that is working for the progress of my country with this, if President Bio calls to serve my people, am ready to join his team.”
Maj. Rtd. Sengu stressed that government needs to properly monitor the utilization of fuel allocated to government power Stations (generators) for energy supply.
He noted that the former government sacked a lot of Energy Ministers because they failed to deliver on their promises.
He recalled that during his time as Deputy Energy Minister, he facilitated the supply of meters to Kenema Police Barracks and other places across the City and assisted the Gombu and RTI communities to have transformers.

17/12/2024

As MAFS Enhances Cocoa Cooperatives
… Urges Investments in Sector



As part of the Feed Salone initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is committed to revitalizing and strengthening Sierra Leone’s Cocoa sector.
This year, MAFS has convened several consultative meetings with stakeholders to address challenges and explore opportunities for reform.

On November 7, 2024, the Ministry's Agribusiness and Private Sector Division hosted a one-day stakeholders’ engagement in Kenema. The event aimed to enhance the productivity and profitability of cocoa production, bringing together farmers from Kenema, Kono, and Kailahun Districts alongside government officials and industry experts. Discussions centered on addressing issues related to market linkages, transportation, aggregation, and value addition.


The Deputy Minister of Agriculture (II), Sahr Hamore, highlighted the importance of the Cocoa sector to Sierra Leone’s economy. “The government is committed to revitalizing the cocoa sector under the Feed Salone Agenda. We must go beyond production and prioritize value addition to improve farmers’ incomes. Through cooperatives, farmers can adopt improved practices, access financing, and establish market linkages to mitigate the challenges of unproductive cocoa farming,” he stated.

Jeneba Alharasim, the Director of the Agribusiness and Private Sector Division, emphasized the significance of organizing farmers into cooperatives, a priority under Pillar 3 of the Feed Salone Agenda. She noted that cooperatives empower farmers by improving access to resources, markets, and training, thereby boosting productivity and income.

Matthew Kenneh, the District Agriculture Officer for Kenema called for increased production, better cocoa quality, and a focus on value addition. He revealed plans to process raw cocoa into finished products, such as cocoa powder and butter, spearheaded by MOWOMA in Kenema.

Madam Safinatu Bockrie, the District Coordinator for the National Federation of Farmers in Sierra Leone (NaFFSL), described cocoa farmers as the “breadbasket” of Sierra Leone and emphasized their critical role in driving economic growth. She advocated for greater investment in locally grown commodities to enhance food security and reduce import dependency.

Charles Campul, the District Director of the Sierra Leone Produce Monitoring Board, encouraged farmers to adopt modern techniques such as fermentation, drying, and proper storage to improve the quality and market value of cocoa. He also underscored the board’s role in connecting farmers to markets and ensuring product standards, concluding his remarks with the slogan, “Cocoa na Money, Money na Money.”

The event concluded with group presentations on cocoa production, processing, aggregation, and marketing. Stakeholders identified key challenges, including limited access to quality seeds and inadequate infrastructure. Solutions proposed included expanding seed programs, providing training opportunities, and fostering private sector investment.

Participants pledged to implement actionable steps to empower farmers and transform Sierra Leone’s cocoa industry under the Feed Salone Agenda.

16/12/2024

Bridging Gaps That Divide Sierra Leone
…THREE PROMINENT SISTERS TAKE LEAD

As a way of bridging the gaps that divide our country, three prominent childhood sisters: Dr. Fatima Bio, Fatmata Nippe Momoh wife of former President Joseph Saidu Momoh and Isata Jabbie Kabba, wife of Former President Tejan Kabba are determined to work together as a united force to preach peace, unity and protecting their welfare
The three childhood sisters have discussed the spirit of solidarity and collaboration in actualizing this dream.
According to information, since school days, the three have been best of friends and shared common vision, so with this campaign of promoting peace and seeking the welfare of each other, they are determined to go places and change the narrative.
In one of their engagement with the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Nippe Momoh commended Dr. Fatima Maada Bio on the various strides made in protecting the Girl Child and advocating for the less privileged, alongside complimenting her husband and prayed for God’s continued guidance and directives.
Madam Nippe Momoh, one of the brains behind the formation of a Coalition of wives of Former Presidents gave a background to its formation and their tours to various countries in the region to plan for the grand conference in Guinea Conakry.
She recalled the Coalition’s visit to Mrs. Njaimeh Jawara, wife of the late President Sir Dauda Jawara. André Toure, the former wife of Guinea’s late President Sékou Touré, Isabel Vieira, the former wife of Guinea-Bissau’s ex-President, Her Excellency Dr. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO, President of the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC) and former First Lady of Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs. Mariama Conteh, Wife of the Former Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs and a host of others.
Mrs. Fatmata Nippe Momoh shared her heartfelt appreciation for the frank and fraternal exchanges held with Dr. Fatima Bio and hope to secure, and strengthen the ties between the First Lady and the Coalition.
The visit by the delegation of Coalition of Wives of Former Presidents to Sierra Leone will mark a pivotal moment in their tour of the region, as discussions centered on the activities of the Coalition and strategies to effectively achieve their objectives, particularly in supporting the wives of former Presidents to improve their living conditions.
As a strong advocate for peace, human rights and justice, Dr. Fatima Bio affirmed her readiness to offer full support to the Coalition of Wives of Former Presidents, demonstrating her commitment to furthering the objectives of the Coalition and advancing their collective mission.
A proposed meeting of a high level delegation from the coalition with the First Lady will serve as a platform for fruitful discussions and exchanges of ideas, highlighting the shared commitment of all participants towards promoting social welfare, empowerment, and collaboration among women in leadership roles across the region.
As she registered her commitment to join the other one hundred and forty-six former Presidents’ wives, IJ Kabba noted that for a long time now, they have been praying for such a forum that will not only bring them together but also meet with organizations and governments.
It must be noted that the coalition met with some wives of former Presidents of Nigeria.

16/12/2024

Frontpage Stories

13/12/2024

Standard Times Press Dedicates This Award To The Late Philip Neville (RIP).

12/12/2024

Frontpage Stories

10/12/2024

FOOD HYGIENE & SAFETY PRACTICES
..Center for Development and Food Safety Launches

In a significant move towards improving food hygiene and safety standards, the Center for Development and Food Safety was officially launched, coinciding with a comprehensive training and learning workshop focused on recent research conducted by the African City Research Consortium.
The event, held in Freetown, gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including food vendors, researchers, and government officials, to address the critical issues surrounding food safety in the Western Area of Sierra Leone.
The workshop featured a series of enlightening sessions and presentations highlighting various aspects of food hygiene and safety practices. Among the key presentations was a discussion on f***l sludge treatment led by representatives from Goal Sierra, who emphasized the importance of effective waste management in promoting public health and food safety.
Hamid Turay, Co-lead of the Hygiene Working Network and a lecturer at Milton Margai Technical University, presented findings from his research titled "Accessing a Hygiene Diet in Freetown 2022." He explored the challenges faced by residents in obtaining safe and nutritious food, underscoring the need for improved food supply chains and greater public awareness.
Professor Dr. Philip John Kanu, a noted expert in food safety practices, shared his insights on the specific hygiene practices among food vendors in the Western Area, based on his 2022 study. Professor Kanu's presentation highlighted prevalent issues and proposed actionable strategies for enhancing food safety standards within the local vendor community.
Abdulai K. Kandeh, a data analyst, shed light on the environmental factors influencing food safety in the region. His session focused on how environmental awareness plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and practices regarding food hygiene.
The launch of the Center for Development and Food Safety comes at a critical time, as Sierra Leone grapples with challenges related to foodborne illnesses and public health. The collaborative efforts of the African City Research Consortium and local stakeholders aim to create a robust framework for training and supporting food vendors, ultimately ensuring that safe food practices become the norm rather than the exception.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about the potential impact of the center's initiatives. The commitment to ongoing training, research, and public engagement is expected to foster a safer food environment for all residents of the Western Area. The establishment of the Center for Development and Food Safety is a testament to the collective dedication to improving food hygiene and safety standards, paving the way for healthier communities across Sierra Leone.

10/12/2024

OPEN PARLOR
With Jonathan Abass Kamara:

Results On Family Planning Study
CPHI – SL & MOH To disseminate


Dr Austin Demby Minister of Health

The Centre for Community and Public Health Improvement, Sierra Leone (CPHI - SL), headed by its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Dr. Alhassan Fouard Kanu will in collaboration with the Ministry of Health disseminate results on findings of Family Planning Study at the Kingdom Hall, Aberdeen in Freetown.
The event which is expected to take place on Wednesday December 18, 2024 will attract participants drawn from the
Ministry of Health professional and political wing: Directors and Program Managers, District Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents and District Health Sisters. Development partners: UN agencies, FCDO and World Bank, Implementing partners; National and International Non - government organizations, and Civil Society organisations.
The Center for Community and Public Health Improvement (CPHI) was selected to serve as an in-country research partner for Sierra Leone to conduct the research on Exemplars in Family Planning alongside Bolivia, Kenya, Lao PDR, Malawi and Senegal.
Exemplars in Family Planning Project
Exemplars in Global Health (EGH) identified positive outlier countries from which Sierra Leone has been observed to have outperformed expected progress on key family planning outcomes with examples on modern contraceptive prevalence rate, demand satisfied for modern contraception relative to the other countries and secular trends.
This research aims to identify actionable drivers of success and contextual insights and explore equity dimensions of key approaches and outcomes.
The research according to Dr. Alhassan Fouard Kanu is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) through the Exemplars in Global Health (EGH) consortium partners and Aga Khan University (AKU).
Dr. Alhassan Fouard Kanu is a Public Health and Health Systems scholar - practitioner with expertise on Health Systems Strengthening, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health; and Health Security and Emergencies. He has extensive experience, spanning over 20 years working with the Ministry of Health and international NGOs in Sierra Leone and beyond.
As an international public health consultant, Dr. Kanu has consulted for several agencies, such as the World Health Organization, World Bank, UNICEF, IAEA among others.
With the World Health Organization (WHO), he worked as an Epidemiologist and as a health system specialist at the WHO African Region Office (AFRO) in Congo Brazzaville, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.
He holds a Doctor of Public Health degree from Walden university USA, a Master of Public (MPH) from Staffordshire university UK; an MSC in International public health Nutrition from Westminster university UK; and an MBA in Public Health Management from Cumbria university UK. Dr. Kanu is also rounding up another doctorate degree in Health Policy Planning and Management; an adjunct professor at the Paris Graduate School in France. He is also a lecturer at the Ernest Bai Koroma university of Science and Technology (EBKUST), in Sierra Leone.
He is a member of several professional bodies: a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health UK; an international practitioner member of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (MRSTMH) UK.
Dr. Kanu was recently decorated as a Fellow of the African Institute of Public Health Professionals at an impressive induction ceremony held in Accra, Ghana, where he also served as one of the Guest Speakers.
APPRECIATION
Appreciating the Ministry of Health leadership in the Parlor, Dr. Kanu opined: "I recalled the professional leaders I have passed through, and this includes Medical Superintendents, District Medical Officers, Program Managers, Directors, Chief Medical Officers, and Ministers".
"I thought of my colleagues at Frontline service delivery whom I interacted and learned a great deal from; and this includes Community Health Officers, Community Health Assistants, Environmental Health Officers, Nurses and Midwives, Pharmacist Educators and Administrators". "Everyone of you contributed towards enriching my professional career. I thank the past and present leadership of the Ministry of Health for the continued support".
As a proud Community Health Officer who has evolved over the years academically and professionally, I remain humbled as I thank mid - level workforce generally for their support". "The American philosopher Benjamin Franklin said, "Many people die at 25 and aren't burried until 75". These are people who don't go after their dreams. So I keep chasing your dreams, regardless of your humbled beginning".
The story gallops in the Parlor with the CPHI and the Health Ministry bracing up for the December 18, 2024 event at the Family Kingdom, Aberdeen in Freetown.
The CPHI - SL is a community and public health improvement national NGO that provides community - based preventive and promotive services, including research and public health consultancies; with its motto: "Healthy you, Healthy community, Healthy nation".

10/12/2024

06/12/2024

Beauty in Versatility!
Janet Mumgbay Zizer Set For Miss Ecofest 2024 Crown

The stage is set for a remarkable showcase of talent, beauty, and purpose as Janet Mumgbay Zizer, a dynamic media practitioner from Star Television at Media One Centre, gears up to compete for the coveted Miss Ecofest 2024 crown. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 20, 2024, at the scenic beachfront of the Africell Building in Lumley, Freetown, this prestigious pageant promises an enticing grand prize of NLE 50,000 along with a return trip to Dubai.
Janet's journey to the spotlight is underpinned by her unwavering commitment to gender activism and empowerment. As the CEO of Jansuccess Network Sierra Leone, she has emerged as a beacon of change, dedicating her time and energy to uplifting women and girls, dismantling societal barriers, and championing the cause of gender equality. Her passion for advocacy stems from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of empowering young women to break free from the shackles of traditional norms and stereotypes.
Through her work with Jansuccess Network Sierra Leone, Janet has spearheaded initiatives aimed at providing women with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. From skills development workshops to mentorship programs and awareness campaigns, Janet's efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring them to dream big, aim high, and forge their paths towards a brighter, more equitable future.
As she takes the stage at Miss Ecofest 2024, Janet brings with her a message of resilience, hope, and empowerment. Her presence in the pageant not only symbolizes her personal journey of growth and self-discovery but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying women's voices, celebrating their achievements, and creating a world where gender equality is not just a distant dream but a lived reality.
The Miss Ecofest 2024 pageant is not merely a platform for showcasing beauty and talent; it is a space for highlighting the diverse contributions and perspectives of women like Janet Mumgbay Zizer who are leading the charge for positive change in their communities and beyond. By participating in this prestigious event, Janet hopes to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness, stand tall in their convictions, and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
As the countdown to the grand finale begins, all eyes are on Janet Mumgbay Zizer as she prepares to make her mark on the Miss Ecofest stage. With her charisma, intellect, and unwavering dedication to the cause of gender empowerment, Janet is poised to captivate hearts, challenge perceptions, and leave an indelible impact on the pageant and the audience alike.
In the spirit of unity, empowerment, and celebration, let us rally behind Janet Mumgbay Zizer as she embarks on this transformative journey towards the Miss Ecofest 2024 crown. May her presence illuminate the stage, inspire hearts, and ignite a spark of change that reverberates far and wide, shaping a future where every woman and girl can thrive, flourish, and soar to new heights.

06/12/2024

Community Health Workers Scaling Up Nutrition

SUN & Food Systems Coordinating Unit Speak

As a way of recognizing the valuable contributions of Community Health Workers, the Secretariat of the Scaling Up Nutrition and Food Systems Coordination Unit at the Office of the Vice President, alongside UNICEF on Thursday 5th December 2024, organized orientation and advocacy workshop on the power of Community Health Workers in scaling up nutrition at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown.
It must be noted that the workshop was to raise awareness on their strides in improving nutrition, health, and human capital development outcomes and make use of a multi-sectoral action to integrate, leverage, and advocate for Community Health Workers.
"We are conducting a knowledge attitude and practice study to inform the design and development of a Strategic Development Change Campaign which will increase consumer demand for locally produce food, improve diet and reduce all form of Malnutrition. We will utilize Community Health Workers in both the research and the campaign dissemination components," Madam Manty Tarawalli revealed.
The Minister of State, Office of the Vice President, Madam Manty Tarawalli stressed on the global evidence for the role of Community Health Workers and community level intervention in reducing Malnutrition. They do not only improve nutrition, health outcomes but also save lives and positively impact community development and the economy.
She furthered that people also improve efficiency of the health system and reduce cost for the health sector alongside offer significant long time return on investment for government.
The Minister highlighted that investment in nutrition is one of the cost effectives way of transforming societies and breaking the chain of poverty. With this she called for more investment in this set of workers and Community level intervention at the highest level, stressing that there over 8000 Community Health Workers and supervisors.
"Maternal mortality has been cut by nearly half, under five mortality by 36% and chronic Mal nutrition by 33 percent. This achievement are a testament to the collective commitment and tireless efforts of health professionals, " UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Revealed.
The UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Madam Liv Elin Indreiten revealed that the country has made significant progress in reducing maternal and under five mortality over the past decades. Although one in ten children born each year does not live to see their fifth birthdays, with malnutrition contributing to more than one third of these deaths which signify the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach.
"With UNICEF's support, the government has developed, launched and operationalized the national CHW Policy. This program brings essential health services directly to communities, empowering families to improve care practices and screening as vital link between communities and health facilities".

She furthered that if this set of workers are well motivated and trained they will contribute to improving the health nutrition outcomes of people living in remote areas.

The Deputy Minister of Health1, Professor Charles Senessie noted the crucial role of Community Health, and as a ministry are very much passionate about them.
With this they are using a holistic approach in addressing health challenges and issues that have to do with the wellbeing of children and women.
They will continue to empower the community health workers and the health including all the four health categories, Primary health care, Secondary, Tertiary and the Health security.

The Head of Focus 1000, who doubles as the SUN Civil Society Representative, Mohamed Bai Jalloh stressed on the importance of nutrition, especially in the first 1000 days of a child, as it has direct impact on the child.
HE noted that Community Health Workers are very instrumental in such a drive.
Several other speakers made meaningful contributions.