By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
MAKENI, Friday, September 11, 2026 — The University of Makeni (UNIMAK) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) are advancing plans to establish Sierra Leone’s first comprehensive national system for identifying, assessing and certifying persons with disabilities.
The push is being driven by the second phase of the Disability Assessment, Determination and Certification (DADC) Pilot, which is generating evidence to support a structured national framework.
Stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies converged on the UNIMAK Auditorium on Friday for the dissemination of the DADC Pilot Phase II protocol and findings.
Research Coordinator, Amjata Bayoh, said the study is assessing persons with disabilities and identifying barriers that limit their participation in everyday life and access to essential services.
“The research is intended to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and generate evidence that can guide policy development and improve service delivery,” Bayoh said.
She disclosed that Paki Massabong in Bombali District was selected as a pilot community based on statistical evidence showing a significant population of persons with disabilities.
Representing LSHTM, Sara Rotenberg said the initiative seeks to ensure that the health and well-being of persons with disabilities are adequately recognised and protected.
The Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) in Bombali, Augustine Santigie Conteh, welcomed the initiative but challenged authorities to move beyond research.
Conteh called for the findings to be translated into practical policies, programmes and services that guarantee equal opportunities and full participation for persons with disabilities.
“The long-term value of this pilot will depend on how its findings are translated into concrete interventions that respond to our needs,” he said.
The collaboration is expected to provide an evidence-based foundation for a national assessment and certification system that will strengthen disability policies, improve service delivery and guide access to protections and services for persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone.
Contact Daily Scope Newspaper: dailyscopemedia@gmail.com
