Freetown: Government officials, development partners, and child advocates convened Monday to assess progress on the 2025-2030 national cooperation programme, highlighting a landmark Child Rights Act update and significant health gains for Sierra Leonean children.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and UNICEF hosted the annual review at the Freetown City Council Hall. The gathering evaluated advancements in child well-being under the current Country Programme framework.
Opening the session, Deputy Development Secretary Usman C. Conteh outlined the review's objectives, acknowledging government dignitaries and partners in attendance. UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwenk described the forum as a crucial opportunity to reflect on shared achievements and reaffirm commitment to Sierra Leone's children.
Schwenk noted that 2025 delivered historic results, including Parliament's passage of the updated Child Rights Act-the first revision since 2007. The new legislation strengthens national protection systems and enhances service delivery for children nationwide.
Planning and Economic Development Minister Kenyeh Barlay, delivering keynote remarks, characterized the moment as pivotal. 'We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. With this 2025-2030 framework, we are cementing our commitment to the final stretch of the Sustainable Development Goals and the vision of our Medium-Term National Development Plan,' she stated.
Programme results presented by UNICEF Chief of Communications Suzanne Wooster revealed substantial progress in child health. Community health and nutrition services reached approximately 1.3 million children under five, contributing to a reduced under-five mortality rate from 104 to 94 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Wooster also reported significant WASH sector advancements, with climate-resilient programmes now integrated into national policies. The National Disaster Management Agency has deployed a disaster risk reduction strategy across 17 coastal and island communities in five districts.
Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education representative Mariatu Kobba praised the government-UNICEF partnership for improving learning outcomes but raised concerns regarding post-education support for children with disabilities, questioning available opportunities beyond schooling.
Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly for vulnerable children in street situations. She cited ongoing inter-ministerial collaboration to implement strategic solutions while emphasizing the critical need for parenting mobilization.
Representing youth voices, Children's Forum Network President Phillipa Cride-Dole urged parliamentarians and decision-makers to communicate clearly with young constituents. 'When discussing matters concerning children, avoid jargon. Ensure children are fully involved and guided through every decision-making stage,' she appealed.
Minister Barlay commended UNICEF's four-decade partnership with Sierra Leone, applauding progress in maternal and child mortality indicators. She prioritized child nutrition, strengthened local governance systems, and enhanced collaboration with chiefdom authorities for child-focused initiatives.
'Let us use this review to strengthen sustainability systems, ensure accountability for results, and invest in adolescent girls, the key to unlocking this nation's future,' Barlay urged. 'Together, we can ensure every Sierra Leonean child, regardless of location, has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and reach full potential.'