Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the Inter-Agency Forum on Social Protection, recently chaired the third Forum meeting at the Albertson Hotel Conference Hall in Kenema City.
During the meeting, Dr. Jalloh highlighted the government’s focus on human capital development as outlined in the 2018 manifesto. He emphasized that President Bio views human capital development as crucial for national progress, aiming to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans through targeted social and governance initiatives. Dr. Jalloh noted that the government’s approach, as detailed in the first Medium Term National Development Plan, is centered on addressing poverty and reducing vulnerability.
The Vice President referred to troubling statistics from 2018, including the high maternal mortality rate, which influenced the New Direction Manifesto. He explained that the first Medium Term National Development Plan’s objectives include reducing poverty and enhancing social protection policies to shift from vulnerability to resilience.
Dr. Jalloh underscored the Forum’s potential to reorganize the social protection landscape and address extreme vulnerability through collaborative efforts. Since its inception in 2018, the Forum has provided a platform for local, national, and international stakeholders to exchange ideas and support vulnerable populations.
Key decisions from the 2018 Forum, held in Makeni, have led to significant outcomes, such as expanding special baby care units across the country, except in Falaba and Karene. This initiative aims to reduce neonatal mortality. Additionally, the World Bank increased its social safety net portfolio from $20 million to $42 million, reflecting the impact of Forum decisions.
The current Forum aims to review the progress of the Productive Social Safety Net (PSSYE) and assess the overall social protection landscape. Dr. Jalloh stressed the importance of integrating lessons learned into national policies and actions. He also highlighted the need for improved coordination through the proposed National Social Protection Authority to enhance effectiveness and avoid duplication.
In his remarks, Dr. Jalloh portrayed social protection as a vital component of the Big Five Agenda, focusing on supporting livelihoods and moving beyond mere cash transfers to productive social safety nets.
Komba Sam, Mayor of Koindu New Sembehun City Council, praised NACSA and the World Bank for creating approximately 3,400 jobs through short-term employment programs. He noted that these funds have positively impacted the local economy and expressed gratitude for the direct cash transfers provided to over 5,000 vulnerable households after the 2023 elections.
Ambassador Baimba Ndomahina, Commissioner of NACSA, outlined the PSSYE project, which spans five years with a $42 million World Bank grant and a counterpart funding of 15 million Leones. He highlighted the Green Public Work (GPW) project as a pilot initiative by the Freetown City Council, offering around 13,000 jobs, particularly for young women. This project is part of the broader goal of creating 500,000 jobs, as promised by President Bio. The GPW project is expected to generate 7,000 jobs for youths in provincial areas once fully operational.
