News

By Kemo Cham

Kailahun, one of the most deprived districts in Sierra Leone, has got a state-of-the-art hospital unit for the care of newborn babies.

The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) was established by the government with financial support from China and technical support from the UN children’s agency, UNICEF.

By Kemo Cham

Although Africa has done more than expected in terms of Covid-19 testing within a short period of time, the region needs to do more to increase its numbers, an Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratory expert has said.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

In an apparent sign of progress in the national effort to promote girls education, female candidates in this year’s National Primary School Examination in Sierra Leone have topped the scores, occupying the first three positions.

The results of the 2020 edition of the examination, which were released on Friday, September 18, was described by Minister of Education, Dr Moinina David Sengeh, as representing upward progression in the fight to attain quality education.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The rapid rise in the prices of pepper in the market has raised concerns in the general public, particularly among housewives.

Prices for the different varieties of the spicing ingredient, which three months back cost at most Le2000, now cost at least Le5, 000 per cup. Some varieties are as Le7, 000 per cup.

Pepper, which is popular across many parts of the world, is one of the most important ingredients in many Sierra Leonean dishes, as many people hardly enjoy a meal without the spice in it.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

Abdul Fatorma, Executive Director of the rights based group Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has called for more financial autonomy to be given to the judiciary.

Fatorma told Politico on Friday that this was important for the judiciary to be much more independent. Part of the autonomy he is calling for is to allow the judiciary to develop its own budget to be able to contract magistrates and judges to handle cases.

By Kemo Cham

A Liberian political activist has launched a campaign to free former president and convicted war criminal, Charles Taylor.

Menipakei Dumoe is seeking the support of the Sierra Leone and Liberian governments to achieve his goal. He is calling on the two countries to work together as brothers and sisters to free one of their own.

Mr Dumoe told Politico that he is passionately appealing to Sierra Leoneans to forgive Mr Taylor.

By Kemo Cham

The private sector is crucial in the efforts to end malaria, a member of the Pan-African campaign - ‘Zero Malaria Starts With Me (ZMSWM)’ - has said, urging the Sierra Leone government to turn towards its private sector partners.

James Wallen, the Malaria Programme Officer for Speak Up Africa, a leading member of the global anti-malaria crusade, said private sector was meant to be a major part of the fight against the parasitic disease, yet in Sierra Leone it hasn’t been adequately engaged.