BY PRECIOUS MIRACLE KARGBO
In a significant move to strengthen the country’s social protection infrastructure, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, recently presided over a two-day Inter-Agency Forum Meeting on Social Protection in the city of Kenema.
The high-level gathering, which brought together key stakeholders from various government agencies and international organizations, served as a platform to take stock of existing social protection programs and explore innovative strategies to expand the scope of interventions, with a particular focus on repositioning the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA
“This forum was a crucial step in our efforts to build a more resilient and inclusive social safety net for the people of Sierra Leone,” said Vice President Jalloh. “By convening all the relevant stakeholders, we were able to identify areas for improvement and develop actionable plans to enhance the delivery of essential social services to those in need.”
The two-day meeting saw active participation and support from a range of partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP), among others. These organizations provided valuable insights and pledged their continued commitment to collaborating with the Sierra Leonean government in addressing the pressing social protection challenges facing the country.
“The willingness of our international partners to engage with us on this critical issue is a testament to the strong relationships we have built and the shared belief in the importance of strengthening social protection for vulnerable populations,” said Vice President Jalloh.
As the forum concluded, attendees expressed a renewed sense of purpose and optimism,e with a clear roadmap for enhancing the reach and effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s social protection programs. Moving forward, the government, in close coordination with its partners, will work diligently to implement the strategies and initiatives identified during the meeting, ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s pursuit of inclusive development.
“This forum was a significant milestone in our journey to create a more equitable and resilient Sierra Leone,”
Vice President Jalloh said. “We are grateful for the support and dedication of all our partners, and we look forward to building on the momentum generated here to drive meaningful and lasting change.”