MoPADA-SL Engages Stakeholders on Disaster Preparedness in Pujehun

In a concerted effort to bolster disaster readiness, Movement Towards Peace and Development Agency Sierra Leone (MoPADA-SL), a national non-governmental organization, has partnered with World Vision International to engage key stakeholders in Pujehun district on developing a comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plan.

Sheku Alhaji Kanneh, the Project Officer at MoPADA-SL, noted that the week-long session aimed to bring the community together to collectively prepare for any potential internal or external disasters that may arise. “We have emphasized the importance of involving the community stakeholders in this process,” Kanneh said. “Their participation is crucial to our success in addressing disaster-related challenges.”

The engagement covered both natural and man-made disasters, with a particular focus on the ongoing rainy season and the need for preventive measures. Kanneh encouraged the stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

Musa Alicious Sesay, an epidemiologist, commended World Vision International and MOPADA-SL for their timely intervention, stating that the district is always prepared for outbreaks or external aggression. “This engagement has been valuable in educating our stakeholders on the level of preparedness, and we appeal to them to be more vigilant and report any suspected issues to the district health management team,” Sesay said.

Sesay further expressed gratitude to MOPADA-SL, describing the organization as the only one that has engaged the community to assess their level of preparedness, which he believes will benefit the entire district.

This collaborative effort between MOPADA-SL and World Vision International underscores the importance of strengthening community resilience and preparedness in the face of potential disasters. By empowering local stakeholders and fostering a comprehensive disaster response plan, the initiative aims to ensure that Pujehun district is better equipped to mitigate and respond to any future calamities.

Meanwhile, the week long training focuses on the training of health care workers and community on malaria in pregnancy, train CHWs and Mothers support groups on food base dietary guidelines healthy eating, support grandmothers how to identify malnutrition at community and house hold levels , cooking demonstration with mothers group, providing counselling cards among several others.