MoPED Hosts Information Session as AHF and AWC Present Development Impact.

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) convened an information-sharing session on February 11, 2026, bringing together two leading health-focused organizations to showcase contributions toward Sierra Leone’s national development goals.

The session, chaired by Deputy Development Secretary Usman Cherry Conteh, is part of the Ministry’s Ongoing efforts to enhance coordination and accountability between government and non-governmental organizations operating in the country. Key stakeholders present included the Director of SLANGO, a representative from the Ministry of Health, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on NGOs and NaCSA, the Director of NGOs at MoPED, and senior officials from various ministries.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on NGOs commended the organizations for their continued support for national development and emphasized the critical role NGOs play across sectors, including health and human capital development. He encouraged sustained collaboration and regular engagement with Parliament to enhance transparency and effectiveness.

Miata Jambawai Kai-Samba, Country Program Director, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), outlined the organisation’s operations in Sierra Leone, where it partners with government hospitals and currently supports 47 care and treatment sites nationwide. She noted that Sierra Leone has a national HIV prevalence rate of 1.7 percent and detailed AHF’s work across HIV prevention, testing, treatment, advocacy, and health systems strengthening. She also highlighted operational challenges, including electricity shortages, limited infrastructure, stock-outs of essential commodities, and stigma affecting persons living with HIV.

Two beneficiaries shared personal testimonies on the impact of AHF’s interventions. “If I am standing here boldly saying I am infected with HIV, it is because of their impact in my life,” said Pa Joseph, one of the beneficiaries who called for supportive policies to address stigmatization and encourage more people to access testing and treatment services.

The Aberdeen Women’s Centre also presented its achievements in maternal and pediatric healthcare, as well as livelihood support programs targeting vulnerable women and girls. According to its 2024–2025 report, the facility recorded two maternal deaths within the reporting period. Over the past two decades, AWC has conducted 35,000 maternal deliveries, more than 350,000 outpatient pediatric consultations, and over 6,500 fistula surgeries. In 2024, the organization received £2,240,000 in funding from its global philanthropic community, with £1,082,000 expended across its three centres in Sierra Leone.

In her closing remarks, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay commended both organizations for their contributions to healthcare delivery and human capital development. She described the testimonies shared during the session as the most impactful aspect of the engagement, noting that they demonstrated the tangible results of the organization’s work. The Minister further informed participants that the coming week has been declared NGO Week, underscoring government recognition of the role of civil society in national development.

Senior Correspondent: Francess Fatmata Baio

Email: baiofrancess191@gmail.com

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