WHO Sierra Leone Launches WHO-Backed Genomic Surveillance Training Sierra Leone has commenced a two-week capacity-building workshop on DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, aimed at strengthening national preparedness for multi-pathogen threats. The training, which began on 4 August and runs through 15 August 2025, is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), and the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL). The workshop focuses on building sustainable national capacity in genomic surveillance, with a strong emphasis on mentorship, leadership development, and practical application. While recent efforts have centered around Mpox, the training is designed to equip local scientists and public health experts with the tools needed to detect and monitor a wide range of infectious diseases. This initiative forms part of WHO’s ongoing support to enhance Sierra Leone’s health security systems, enabling early detection, rapid response, and informed decision-making in the face of emerging and re-emerging health threats.  UNICEFSierra Leone celebrates World Breastfeeding Week with 54% exclusive rate  This week, Unicef  joined the global community in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2025 under the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” The event was a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding as a cornerstone of maternal and child health. Sierra Leone’s progress, having already reached WHO’s 2025 target of 50% exclusive breastfeeding, is proof of the efforts of health workers, the government, communities, and partners. As highlighted during the event, achieving the global 2030 target of 75% exclusive breastfeeding will require continued investment in sustainable systems that empower mothers, at home, in health centres, and in workplaces.  UNDP Inter-Religious Council receives UNDP support to expand community outreach This week, UNDP, through the Office of the Chief Minister, handed over a vehicle to the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) to strengthen their nationwide peacebuilding, governance, and advocacy work. The handover followed a request for UNDP to provide a vehicle that would help IRCSL reach more communities and carry out their important activities more effectively. UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah emphasised that this support reflects recognition of IRCSL’s long-standing role in fostering dialogue, promoting unity, and working for the common good across Sierra Leone. He noted that the vehicle will help them expand their reach, strengthen engagement with communities, and continue their service to the nation. The IRCSL welcomed the donation, highlighting their active engagement with Government and partners on youth and women’s empowerment, national cohesion, prevention of child marriage and teenage pregnancy, safe motherhood and reproductive health, climate change advocacy, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, electoral process reforms, and the promotion of religious tolerance. They added that, given their national reach and the voluntary nature of their members’ contributions, support of this kind offers a significant return on investment. They also expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s swift and spontaneous action in responding to their request, describing it as remarkable. This support is part of UNDP’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local capacities for peacebuilding and ensuring that no voice is left unheard. 

IOM & RCOWorld Day Against Trafficking observed with the launch of Survivors Network.In commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations, IOM, and ECOWAS, hosted a landmark event to launch the Trafficking in Persons Survivor Network (#TIPSNet)—a survivor-led initiative aimed at empowering victims to lead advocacy and shape anti-trafficking efforts. At a national anti-trafficking event, Minister of Social Welfare Hon. Melrose Karminty emphasized that “human trafficking is organized crime” and called for coordinated action and survivor empowerment. She announced the launch of a Victims Trust Fund to support resettlement and prevention. Attorney General Alpha Sesay stressed legal reforms and tackling root causes like poverty and inequality.UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana praised Sierra Leone’s progress, including the 2022 Anti-Trafficking Act, and urged continued survivor-led advocacy. The Anti-Trafficking Secretariat underscored the impact of poverty and climate shocks on vulnerability. The event ended with a united call to uphold justice and end exploitation. RCOUNCT reviews and backs half-year performance.

Last Thursday, the UN Country Team held a results validation workshop at The Hub Hotel, bringing together agencies across all Results Groups to review progress toward the 2025 Mid-Year Report. The session ensured alignment with the UNSDCF 2025–2030 pillars: Climate & Food Systems, Human Capital & Jobs, and Governance & Economic Transformation.WHO Representative George Ameh called for stronger collaboration and emphasized the need for impactful media to communicate results beyond internal reports.The workshop reinforced the importance of evidence-based results sharing for transparency, accountability, and coordination, laying the groundwork for the 2025 Annual Results Report. UNFPAUNFPA, Health Ministry promote Fistula care in Bo.They engaged women at antenatal and postnatal clinics, where they highlighted the need for utilizing skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the availability of free, life-changing surgical treatment through the UNFPA-Embassy of Iceland in Freetown partnership to end obstetric fistula. 
Obstetric fistula is preventable and treatable, but many women suffer quietly due to stigma and lack of accurate information. By increasing awareness and providing support, including surgery, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, we empower women to seek quality skilled care they deserve and regain their dignity.
We can end obstetric fistula by 2030. Every woman healed is a life reclaimed—and a step closer to ending this injustice for good.
 

RCO UNOWAS SRSG wraps up Sierra Leone trip following talks with President and key leaders.Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, wrapped up a two-day visit to Sierra Leone, engaging with President Julius Maada Bio, senior government officials, opposition leaders, development partners, and the UN Country Team. He conveyed the UN Secretary-General’s congratulations on President Bio’s appointment as ECOWAS Chair and reaffirmed the UN’s support during his tenure. Discussions focused on regional political and security developments, the urgency of peaceful elections, and growing threats from extremism. Simão commended Sierra Leone remarkable role at the UN Security Council specially in bringing to the fore the Sahel region. President Bio expressed commitment to collaborate on regional peace and security through diplomacy and development. The SRSG also held talks with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Justice on subregional matters. He was joined by the UN Resident Coordinator and key aides throughout the visit.  UN Women Sends off Peacekeepers with dignity kits to Somalia. 
In a ceremony held at the UN Women Sierra Leone Office on Tuesday, departing peacekeepers heading to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) were honoured with dignity kits and essential supplies.The event recognized 55 uniformed women—making up over 34% of the 160-strong 2025 contingent. The kits included sanitary pads, Independence Day jerseys, footballs, and volleyballs to support both physical and mental well-being during deployment.UN Women Head of Office, Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo, commended the Government and Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, for surpassing 30% female representation in peacekeeping—highlighting the impact of the Elsie Initiative Fund.Speaking on behalf of her peers, Sergeant Regina Miatta Hamilton thanked UN Women for their continued support, pledging to remain committed to peacebuilding.The ceremony ended with a group photo, symbolizing unity and hope for a stronger Sierra Leone.


ITCSierra Leone engages in global dialogue on small business. 

The International Trade Centre (ITC) and South Africa’s Department of Small Business Development co-hosted the first Global SME Ministerial Summit in Johannesburg under the theme “Navigating New Business Frontiers.”The high-level event gathered over 700 delegates from 60 countries, including ministers, trade leaders, and entrepreneurs. Sierra Leone was represented by Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay.With SMEs comprising 90% of businesses globally, the Summit emphasized their critical role in resilient economies. Key discussions focused on access to finance, digital transformation, and the green transition.Expected outcomes include the formation of a Global SME group, a Call-to-Action for upcoming global economic forums, a draft roadmap for biennial SME Ministerials, and a business innovation hub.The Summit aligns with SDGs 8, 9, 13, and 17 by advancing inclusive growth, innovation, climate action, and global partnerships through SME empowerment.

RCONational dialogue on preferred electoral system for Sierra Leone, held in Bintumani International Conference Centre The Government of Sierra Leone, with support from the European Union, the United Nations, and International IDEA, officially launched a National Dialogue on the Preferred Electoral System at the Bintumani International Conference Centre. The dialogue aims to foster inclusive, nationwide engagement on electoral reform, focusing on the Proportional Representation (PR) and First Past the Post (FPTP) systems, in line with Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee.In their statements, development partners and government leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democratic consolidation, legal integrity, civic participation, and timely electoral preparedness ahead of the 2028 elections.The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, welcomed the dialogue as a vital step toward informed, inclusive decision-making and reiterated the UN’s ongoing support for electoral institutions and civic engagement.The initiative underscores Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen transparency, constitutional alignment, and public trust in electoral processes, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

IOMSierra Leone validates national implementation plan and launches coordination mechanism for global compact for migration.The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with IOM, government partners, and civil society organizations, convened a national meeting to validate the National Implementation Plan (NIP) and establish a National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) for the Global Compact for Migration (GCM). This marks a critical milestone in localizing the GCM by translating global commitments into nationally owned actions that enhance migration governance in Sierra Leone. As a GCM Champion Country, Sierra Leone continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration—fully aligned with national development priorities outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030). This process was supported through funding from the European Union’s Demand-Driven Technical Assistance mechanism.  UNFPA

UNFPA Sierra Leone engages media on new 2025–2030 country programme and 2024 achievements. On 18 July 2025, UNFPA Sierra Leone convened a media dissemination event to present its 8th Country Programme Document (CPD) 2025–2030 and share key highlights from its 2024 Annual Report. 
 
The event brought together editors, journalists, and media leaders to deepen understanding of UNFPA’s strategic direction, achievements, and priorities — particularly in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and youth development. 
 
Key messages from national leadership: 
• Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, called the CPD “a critical enabler for national development and stronger, more resilient communities.” 
• Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, emphasized the alignment of the new programme with national efforts to end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 
 
UNFPA Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Sibeso Mululuma, described the new programme as a rights-based roadmap and called on media to play a central role in accountability, awareness, and advocacy. 
 
The event closed with an interactive dialogue, reinforcing media as a critical partner in advancing health, rights, and development for all in Sierra Leone.