UN Agencies Weekly Highlights- May 5-May 9

UNDP

Sierra Leone and India launches Inclusive Development Project for Persons with Disabilities
On the sidelines of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) South-South and Triangular Cooperation Forum, the Government of Sierra Leone and the Government of India, in partnership with the United Nations, launched a landmark initiative aimed at empowering persons with disabilities.

The project, “Enabling Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons in Sierra Leone,” was officially signed by Hon. Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare; Mr. Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative; and Ms. Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator. The ceremony was witnessed by India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Shri Baisnab Charan Pradhan, and presented to H.E. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of Sierra Leone.

Funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, the $1 million project will provide vocational training, assistive devices, and entrepreneurship support to enhance economic opportunities for persons with disabilities. The project will be executed by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare.

This initiative exemplifies effective South-South cooperation, aligning with Sierra Leone’s inclusive development priorities and India’s commitment to sustainable, people-centred growth across the Global South.

UNDP continues to champion disability inclusion in Sierra Leone through rehabilitation of centres, support for legislative reforms, and integration of persons with disabilities across youth, environmental, and economic empowerment programmes — ensuring that no one is left behind.

UNICEF

Govt of Sierra Leone, AU, UNICEF, WHO & partners commemorate African Vaccination Week 
The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the African Union, and a broad coalition of national and international health partners, has commemorated the African Vaccination Week in Freetown. Sierra Leone has made significant strides in expanding immunization coverage, reducing child mortality, and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. The theme of the programme was: “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible.” 

Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, said immunisation is a cornerstone of our public health system and committed not to leave any child behind.  

“Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to give every child a fair chance at a healthy future,” said Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative to Sierra Leone. “UNICEF is proud to work with the Government of Sierra Leone and partners to ensure no child is left behind.” 

UNFPA

UNFPA Joins Sierra Leone Midwives Association and Partners to mark International Day of the Midwife 
In commemoration of this year's International Day of the Midwife (IDM), UNFPA supported for a series of national activities spearheaded by the Sierra Leone Midwives Association (SLMA) in collaboration in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, were held under the global theme “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis.”