Freetown Mar. 30, 09. {MOHS}-Deputy Health and Sanitation Minister, Mohamed Daudis Koroma has said that the Demographic Health Survey conducted in 2008 shows an improvement in the overall nutritional status of under five children in Sierra Leone.

Deputy Minister, Mohamed Koroma making his opening statement

Addressing the opening ceremony of a three days consultative conference on the Review of the National Food and Nutrition Policy in Sierra Leone at Hotel Kimbima in Aberdeen, Mr. Mohamed Koroma described the problem of Malnutrition as Multifactoral; pointing out that poverty is usually the main cause.

From right- Deputy Minister, Mohamed Koroma, Senior Permanent Secretary, Edward Bai Koroma

Lack of Knowledge, the Deputy Minister told his audience is another important area of concern for the rate of Malnutrition in Sierra Leone, adding that Malnutrition further reduces the body’s resistance to infection.

Mr. Koroma noted the various cycle between Malnutrition and infection which he said has resulted to having children as the most vulnerable, and stressed the need for a Plan of Action that would articulate positive strides through intersectional approach to get Malnutrition under control. 

The Deputy Minister encouraged participants to deliberate conscientiously during the three days exercise with a view to coming out with a clear nutrition goals and objectives in the areas of food and agriculture , livestock, fisheries, forestry, and health education, hoping that the conference would lead to a proper analysis of the food situation  in Sierra Leone.

The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kisito Daoh reminded his audience about the impact of Malnutrition on women and children, and reiterated the need for the conference to make available a resourceful Document that would reflect the aspirations and needs of the people. Such a Document, Dr. Daoh opined should be translated into a policy that could be implemented to address the issue surrounding the problem of malnutrition in the country.

 

UNICEF Nutrition Manager, Dr. Sebele making his speech.

The UNICEF Nutrition Manager, Sefano Sebele observed that the high rate of Malnutrition and mortality in infants and young children in Sierra Leone resulting from poverty and food security are due to limited awareness among mothers of poor dietary diversity.

He described food and nutrition security in Sierra Leone as a critical challenge, pointing out that the food and nutrition policy reaffirms the government’s commitment to the process, and provides the guidelines to achieve the desired goals.

Standing- Senior Permanent Secretary,Edward Bai Kamara

The Senior Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Sanitation and Chairman for the Occasion, Edward Bai Kamara underscored the importance to review the National Food and Nutrition Policy, describing food as a human right.

The Ministry, Mr. Kamara said is playing a leading role in the process noting that nutrition is essential for the healthy development of the country.

The conference is jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and the other partners. SLENA Reports.

JAK/ IMK/MOHS/SLENA