By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, held a solemn ceremony today in front of the Miatta Conference Hall at the Youyi Building to welcome 88 Sierra Leoneans who were forcibly expelled from Mauritania and returned via Senegal. The group comprises 45 women, 36 children, and 7 men.
During the event, Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty referred to the deportees as “returning migrants.” She highlighted their challenging experiences of arrest, imprisonment, and subsequent deportation. The Minister emphasized the government’s swift response, which included immediate health screenings conducted in collaboration with the Health Education Programme of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. These screenings revealed several critical health issues, including pregnancies, STDs, and swollen limbs.
Minister Karminty reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reintegrating the returnees by providing essential support, including food supplies, dignity kits, transportation, and plans for vocational and educational opportunities. She urged the public to discourage unsafe migration and to embrace the opportunities being developed within Sierra Leone, particularly through initiatives such as the five big game changers and agricultural development programs.
Dr. Yeabu Kargbo, Medical Superintendent of Hospital on Wheels, also addressed the ceremony, commending the returnees for their willingness to discuss their health challenges openly. She expressed serious concern over some identified medical conditions, warning that they could impact not only the individuals but also the wider community. Dr. Kargbo urged the returnees to adhere to their treatment plans, emphasizing that proper medication and follow-up care are vital for managing their health. She appealed to them on humanitarian grounds to prioritize their well-being, as neglect could jeopardize both their health and that of those around them.
Reassuring the returnees of ongoing government support, she emphasized that the Ministry of Health is prepared to assist but requires the cooperation and responsibility of the beneficiaries.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
