SLUDI Calls for National Community-Based Rehabilitation Strategy in Sierra Leone
Kanja Sesay The Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) has called for the development of a national Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Strategy to improve access to rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities across the country.
The call comes as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), in partnership with One Family People (OFP) and with support from Lillian Fonds, convenes a press conference on November 4, 2026, at the Ministry of Social Welfare conference hall in Freetown.
SLUDI said a national strategy would help address gaps in rehabilitation services by ensuring that persons with disabilities can access support within their communities rather than having to travel long distances to reach limited-service centres.
As the national federation representing organisations of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone, SLUDI described the proposed strategy as an important step towards strengthening disability inclusion and improving service delivery.
The organisation said rehabilitation services should not be concentrated in a few locations but should be made available to people in communities across the country.
It believes a coordinated national approach would help address barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing essential rehabilitation and support services.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities said a formal CBR strategy was necessary to address existing gaps in service delivery.
“A formal CBR strategy is essential to close the gap in service delivery for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone,” the Executive Secretary said.
Samuel POV Macaulay, Executive Director of One Family People, also reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to working with the NCPD and Lillian Fonds to develop an inclusive and sustainable strategy.
He said the initiative should promote independence and ensure that persons with disabilities are meaningfully included in society.
The press conference is expected to examine the challenges persons with disabilities face when accessing rehabilitation services and identify a shared path towards national policy reform.
The discussions will also focus on the Persons with Disability Act of 2011, particularly the need to strengthen the policy and legal framework supporting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
A national CBR strategy could provide a framework for coordinating rehabilitation services and improving cooperation among government institutions, disability organisations and development partners.
SLUDI has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights, dignity and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
The organisation said it looks forward to working with the NCPD, One Family People, Lillian Fonds and other stakeholders to advance the proposed strategy and promote meaningful improvements in rehabilitation services.
The initiative comes amid broader calls for disability services and policies that respond to the needs of people in their own communities.