Vice President Juldeh Jalloh Opens Pediatric Association Meeting, Focuses on Ending Childhood Hunger
Sahid Bangura Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially opened the Annual General Scientific Meeting of the Pediatric Association of Sierra Leone, focusing on the critical issue of childhood malnutrition.
The meeting, themed “Breaking the Cycle: Ending Childhood Malnutrition in Sierra Leone,” reflects the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing public health challenge.
In his opening statement, Jalloh commended the dedication of pediatricians in the country, noting their significant contributions to reducing infant mortality rates. “I applaud the exemplary work and commitment of our pediatricians whose tireless contributions have been instrumental to the significant reduction in infant mortality,” he stated.
The Vice President threw light on several initiatives undertaken by the government in recent years to combat malnutrition, including increased domestic budget support for therapeutic foods and multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women. He emphasised that those efforts are part of the broader Feed Salone program, which aims to ensure food security across the nation.
The Vice President also called on pediatricians to view nutrition as a multi-dimensional input, extending beyond clinical interventions. He urged healthcare professionals to consider cultural practices and supply chain challenges, involving NGOs and other stakeholders in the fight against malnutrition. “An integrated system approach to reducing malnutrition is critical to providing holistic care,” he remarked.
The Vice President concluded his address by congratulating the Pediatric Association for organising a successful event, praising the breakthrough presentations made during the meeting.
