By: Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education has committed to deepening its partnership with the World Health Organization to strengthen public health messaging and community outreach.
The pledge came during a meeting in Freetown between Information Minister Chernor Abdulai Bah and WHO Country Representative Dr. George F. Ameh. Talks focused on boosting collaboration on health communication, civic engagement, and awareness campaigns.
Minister Bah said the ministry has a central role in keeping citizens informed on key health and civic issues. He cited President Julius Maada Bio’s directive for government institutions to “bring the public along,” and stressed the need to highlight progress in the health sector while building public trust.
He pointed to ongoing work on MPox communications and the ministry’s role in leading public engagement under the “300 Days of Activism” campaign, launched through a recent memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health. Bah added that the ministry is also working to build a lasting public health education system tied to the six pillars of civic education, including the “HEAL Salone” and waste management drives.
On the Safe Motherhood Bill, he said efforts are advancing and called for targeted communication to build public understanding and support.
Dr. Ameh praised the ministry’s proactive approach and the new health ministry MOU. He said effective response to public health challenges requires sustained community engagement, including with traditional leaders, and stronger youth outreach. He flagged Kush abuse and rising HIV rates among young people as areas needing urgent attention.
“Healthy women mean a healthy nation,” Dr. Ameh said, recommending a joint civic engagement programme with UN agencies and other partners. He argued that development depends on changing behavior and mindsets through consistent public education.
Both sides said they would expand cooperation to advance public health communication and civic mobilization across Sierra Leone.
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