According to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Sierra Leone is recognized among the top 40 nations globally for its progress in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in child protection. The acknowledgement was made during the 2024 mid-year review of the Sierra Leone-UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation (2020-2024).
The one-day review at the Foreign Academy Conference Hall assessed the progress and challenges of UNICEF-funded projects targeting children and women. The meeting marked a significant milestone as the four-year mandate of the Sierra Leone-UNICEF partnership nears completion.
In her opening remarks, UNICEF Deputy Representative Ms. Liv Elin Indreiten commended the collaborative efforts between UNICEF and the government of Sierra Leone, highlighting improvements in child nutrition and support for school activities. However, she urged the government to strengthen its policies, citing ongoing challenges such as the lack of birth re
gistration data, physical violence against women and children, and the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM). She emphasized the importance of child parenting programs and school counselling as part of the solution.
UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Rudolf Schwent appreciated the government’s dedication and commitment to improving child protection. He praised the progress made under the collaboration but noted that more work is needed, particularly in addressing social issues affecting women and children.
Madam Barlay applauded UNICEF’s efforts, noting that they have significantly impacted the targeted areas. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting these programs, aligning them with the Medium-Term National Development Plan and the “Big Five” game changers.
The mid-year review featured presentations from various ministries, departments, and agencies, all focused on protecting and empowering children and women, particularly in rural communities. The discussions highlighted achieveme
nts in health, education, water, hygiene, and gender policies. However, challenges such as a lack of accurate data, funding constraints, and community engagement were also noted.
The review concluded with a call for continued collaboration among MDAs, development partners, and local communities to ensure sustained progress in improving the lives of all Sierra Leoneans.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency
