MOH, DFN CONCLUDE A 3 DAY NUTRITION TECHNICAL REVIEW MEETING

By Morlai Sesay

In a major step to tackle malnutrition in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the Directorate of Food and Nutrition has on Friday, 4th July 2025, concluded a three-day high-level nutrition technical review meeting to assess progress, challenges, and strategies for improving nutrition outcomes across Sierra Leone. The meeting, which started on Wednesday, 2^nd July and ended on Friday, 4^th July 2025, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and civil society representatives, to align efforts in tackling malnutrition, particularly among women and children. The highly anticipated meeting reviewed ongoing interventions under the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and the SUN (Scaling Up Nutrition) Movement, which aims to reduce stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. Despite some significant progress, malnutrition remains a critical public health concern, with nearly 30% of children under five stunted and 6% acutely malnourished, according to recent surveys.  Dr Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer at MOH, highlighted the government’s commitment to scaling up nutrition-sensitive programs. “This meeting is crucial in evaluating our strategies and ensuring that nutrition remains a top priority in national development plans,” he stated. 

 UNICEF Health Nutritionist, Dr. Vandana Josh underscored the importance of sustained investment in nutrition to safeguard children’s futures. “Malnutrition is not just a health issue—it affects education, economic productivity, and national development. We must prioritize interventions like exclusive breastfeeding, fortified foods, and community-based nutrition programs,” she urged. 

Dr. Josh also commended Sierra Leone’s efforts in reducing child mortality but stressed that more work is needed to meet global nutrition targets. “With continued collaboration between government, partners, and communities, we can ensure every child has the right start in life,” she added. 

Hon. Bernadette Songa, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, reiterated the legislature’s role in advancing nutrition policies. “Parliament will advocate for increased budgetary allocation to nutrition programs and hold relevant sectors accountable for implementation,” she pledged.  Songa emphasized the need for multi-sectoral coordination, involving agriculture, education, and social welfare, to address the root causes of malnutrition. “Food security and nutrition are intertwined. We must support smallholder farmers, promote school feeding programs, and empower women with nutrition education,” Hon. Songa stated.  Abu Bakarr Jalloh, National Coordinator of FOCUS 1000, a leading local NGO in health and nutrition, emphasized the role of community engagement in driving behavioral change.

“Our approach involves working with community health workers, religious leaders, and local councils to promote best practices in infant and young child feeding,” he explained. Kamara also highlighted the success of the “Feed Salone” initiative, which integrates nutrition into local agriculture projects. “By linking farmers to markets and promoting diverse diets, we can improve household nutrition while boosting local economies,” he said. 

The meeting concluded with actionable recommendations, including Scaling Up Nutrition-Specific Interventions Expanding access to therapeutic foods for malnourished children and micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women, strengthening data systems, enforcing Food Fortification, and Increasing Domestic Funding Advocating for higher government and private sector investment in nutrition programs. The Ministry of Health and partners reaffirmed their commitment to achieving Sierra Leone’s nutrition targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Malnutrition Free Framework.