Welfare Minister Karminty Urges Action to Turn Disability Policies into Practical Support
Sahid Bangura Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty has called for stronger implementation of laws and policies affecting vulnerable groups, stressing that legislation must translate into practical services for persons with disabilities, women, children and young people.
Speaking at the Civic Day USA Edition in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Karminty said government policies must go beyond legislation to deliver tangible support, particularly in inclusive education and healthcare.
She said the Government is working with UNICEF and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to improve the identification, assessment, and certification of persons with disabilities.
According to the Minister, the initiative will also strengthen disability data management and promote early identification through communities, health centres and schools.
Karminty said better data would enable persons with disabilities to access appropriate services, including glasses, hearing aids and other specialised support. She also highlighted rehabilitation, vocational training and skills development as important areas of intervention.
She added that district centres are receiving computers and other equipment to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities, including access to areas such as computer science.
The Minister said the broader objective is to ensure that support for vulnerable groups moves from policy commitments to practical services that can improve their participation in society.
The Civic Day USA Edition brought together senior government officials and Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora for discussions on national development, public policy and government programmes.