Sierra Leone’s Planning Minister Collaborates with UNICEF to Launch 2023/2024 Situational Analysis Report on Children, Adolescents, and Women Foreign Service Academy, August 14, 2024: The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, officially launched the 2023/2024 Situational Analysis (SitAn) Report on Children, Adolescents, and Women in Sierra Leone on Wednesday. This report marks a significant step in understanding and addressing the needs of the country’s most vulnerable populations.

During the launch, Minister Barlay emphasized the importance of this event coinciding with the International Youth Day, which was celebrated on August 12. She noted, “It is fortuitous that this event is taking place during the same week as International Youth Day.

This timing reinforces the critical focus on the future of our children and youth.” She added that this is the third time this week she has addressed issues concerning the youth, including a mock parliament session and a meeting with university students eager to contribute to national development.

The SitAn report is set to play a crucial role in shaping the Mid-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030 and the UNICEF Sierra Leone Country Programme Document for 2025-2030. Minister Barlay highlighted that this report would not only inform national planning but also aid in improving programmatic delivery, advocacy, and policy development. “This launch highlights a significant milestone in our continuous endeavor to prioritize the well-being and advancement of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society,” she said.

The report’s findings underscore both the progress made and the challenges that remain in Sierra Leone. Minister Barlay pointed out the success of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) initiative, which has expanded educational opportunities, particularly for marginalized girls. Additionally, improvements in healthcare services, including immunization programs and maternal health interventions, have led to better health outcomes for children.

However, the report also reveals ongoing challenges such as poverty, which affects a significant portion of children, adolescents, and women. Minister Barlay stressed, “Despite our endeavors, poverty remains a widespread issue, leading to high rates of child labor, malnutrition, and school dropouts.” The report also highlights the disparities in access to quality education and healthcare between urban and rural areas, as well as the persistent issues of gender-based violence, early marriage, and teenage pregnancies.

Looking forward, Minister Barlay called for redoubled efforts to address these challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to human capital development, a central tenet of the MTNDP 2024-2030, which includes ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and protection services for all children. She also emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving these goals, acknowledging the invaluable support from organizations like UNICEF.

“The SitAn report is the fruit of a collaborative initiative involving the government of Sierra Leone, UNICEF, and diverse stakeholders dedicated to the cause of children and adolescent welfare,” Minister Barlay stated.

She concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to translate the report’s insights into actionable initiatives that address the root causes of the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s youth. “It is our collective responsibility to respond to this call with resolute determination,” she said.

UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Mr. Gilles Fagninou, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of understanding the situation to address the problems effectively. “Children are the future, and this report provides the evidence needed to make strong decisions,” he said. Mr. Fagninou also noted Sierra Leone’s significant progress in addressing issues affecting children, adolescents, and women, thanks to political commitment and financial support.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, reflected on the progress made since the country’s brutal civil war, highlighting the increased access to free quality education and reduced maternal deaths, citing an increase in the school completion rate from 49-101%, the reduction of maternal deaths, enactment of the Child Rights Act, among others.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, emphasized the need to continue strengthening child protection mechanisms and addressing gender-based violence.

The SitAn report provides a comprehensive analysis of the conditions and challenges facing nearly four million children and adolescents in Sierra Leone. With a median age of just 19 years, Sierra Leone has one of the youngest populations in the world. The report outlines several strategic interventions necessary to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the national goals outlined in the MTNDP 2024-2030.

For further information, please contact the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development Communications Team at +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: @moped2024 on Facebook and Twitter.