UN Agencies Weekly Highlights- May 12-May 16

United Nations Sierra Leone 

UN pledges continued backing for health sector at National Summit in Freetown. 
The United Nations in Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health's National Sector Strategic Plan, as the country continues to make significant strides in public health. 

This commitment was made for the Ministry's transformative Life Stages Approach to Universal Health Coverage by Resident Coordinator ad interim Fredrick Ampiah (also the UNDP Resident Representative) at the start of Thursday's National Health Summit at the Bintumani Conference Centre. The theme of the 3-day Summit is "Improving all health outcomes: All Sierra Leonean lives matter."  

In his remarks on behalf of the UN Country Team, he highlighted that since 2010, Sierra Leone's Universal Health Coverage Index has improved from 27 to 41, reflecting major gains, particularly in maternal and child health. The country has also strengthened its capacity for disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, enhancing its ability to respond to public health threats. 

Ongoing reforms, including the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill, the Social Health Insurance Scheme, and updates to the Free Healthcare Initiative, demonstrate the government's dedication to building a resilient and inclusive health system. The UN remains a steadfast partner in these efforts, including a focus on primary health care and improved decentralisation as the way forward.  A key objective of the Summit is to review the health sector's status in alignment with national and international goals and targets. 

UNIDO

UNIDO & Japan inaugurate Centre of Excellence to drive youth employment in the automotive sector.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Government of Japan, officially launched the Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training at Freetown Polytechnic’s Kissy Campus. The initiative is part of the “Promoting Youth Employment through Automotive Maintenance Skills Training” project, aimed at addressing youth unemployment by equipping young people with technical and entrepreneurial skills in the automotive sector.

The Centre, now a modern facility meeting international standards, offers Sierra Leone’s first nationally accredited, competency-based curriculum in automotive maintenance. The 1,000-hour, 40-module program emphasizes hands-on training aligned with labor market demands.

High-level officials including Chief Minister David Sengeh, Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Yoshimoto, and UNIDO Country Representative Mariatu Abionor Swaray highlighted the Centre’s significance in advancing youth empowerment, economic transformation, and skills development.

The Centre also includes a Career Centre for job matching, business coaching, and apprenticeships. It aims to train 200 young mechanics and 200 entrepreneurs annually, supporting Sierra Leone’s development goals and contributing to a more competitive Africa.

UNICEF 

UNICEF secures over $ 1.3 million Japanese support to strengthen child welfare initiatives. 
The Government of Japan, through UNICEF and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, on Tuesday, 13 May, committed over $ 1.3 million to support delivery of critical Nutrition, Health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services to vulnerable communities, including children and women in five vulnerable districts in Sierra Leone. 

The new project – Emergency Nutrition, Health, and WASH Response in Five Food and Nutrition Insecure Districts – will end by December 2026. This aims to integrate Nutrition, Healthcare, WASH services, and climate resilience to safeguard the health and well-being of pregnant women and under five children in the most vulnerable areas of the country. 

“This partnership has been instrumental in providing both preventive and life-saving services, addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations in the most food-insecure districts, and creating a more promising future for countless children and communities in Sierra Leone,” said Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health. 

This support builds on over a decade of impactful collaboration between Japan and UNICEF in Sierra Leone, a partnership that has already contributed more than $ 20 million in support since 2009. 

“Japan is dedicated to supporting our partners in Sierra Leone on their journey toward Universal Health Coverage, with Nutrition playing a vital role,” said H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Ambassador of Japan to Sierra Leone, Ghana and Liberia. “We recognize that achieving these goals means reaching the most underserved communities and making intentional efforts to leave no one behind.” 

“Through the Government of Japan’s generous support, we are not only treating severe malnutrition but also investing in the systems that ensure children grow, learn, and thrive,” said Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. “This partnership is saving lives today and transforming futures tomorrow.” 

The Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Food and Nutrition, will provide technical leadership and oversight to ensure successful implementation and alignment with national priorities.