By: Aminata Sesay
The Africa Twins Association (ATA), in collaboration with Twins and Multiple Births Sierra Leone (TMBSL), has appealed to the Parliament of Sierra Leone for support ahead of the Second Africa Twins Summit, scheduled to take place in Freetown from November 20–22, 2026.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to Parliament House in Freetown on September 18, where the delegation was received by the Clerk of Parliament in the absence of the parliamentary leadership.
Led by the Secretary-General of the Africa Twins Association, Hon. Zawu K. Duyann, the delegation introduced the Association and outlined plans for the forthcoming summit, which is expected to bring together twins, families, government officials, policymakers, health professionals, researchers and civil society representatives from across Africa.
The delegation highlighted the need for greater attention to issues affecting twins and multiple-birth families, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health, social protection, economic empowerment, research and public awareness.
According to the organizers, the summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and discuss policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare, rights and development of twins and multiple-birth families.
The delegation also stressed the importance of addressing stigma and misconceptions surrounding multiple births through public sensitization and community engagement.
Given Parliament’s role in national policymaking and legislative processes, ATA and TMBSL expressed interest in its participation in the summit and in future advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening support for families with twins and multiple births.
The delegation formally invited Parliament to participate in the November summit, particularly through relevant Members of Parliament and committees responsible for areas including health, social protection and community development.
The visit forms part of wider stakeholder engagements ahead of the summit, as ATA and TMBSL seek to build partnerships with institutions and organizations that can contribute to discussions on the welfare and development of twins and multiple-birth families in Sierra Leone and across Africa.