New report provides insight into the causes of the high malnutrition rate in Sierra Leone

On 29 October 2015, the Sierra Leone SUN Secretariat hosted an event to launch reports from a study on malnutrition in Sierra Leone. The reports relate to a two year research project implemented by the Secure Livelihoods Research Consortium (SLRC) to understand reasons for the high malnutrition rates in the country. The event was attending by representatives from key ministries, Irish Aid, United Nations agencies, civil society and the media.

Deputy Minister Honorable Foday Sawi opened the event, describing the issue of malnutrition as an issue close to his heart requiring urgent action. Keys findings from the research identified causes for high malnutrition rates to include “business as usual” approaches to capacity building that miss out the realities of everyday life for thousands of Sierra Leoneans. The research highlighted ‘blind spots’ that need to be addressed if government and implementing partners are to improve the nutrition status of the country, that is the plurality of the health system which relates to decisions made by individuals and households about nutrition and health care; the relational and social aspects of capacity and the wider system in which organizations and individuals work.

“We must use these findings to set out priorities for scaling up nutrition, ensuring that we are able to improve health care provision for children that are malnourished but also to strengthen preventive systems through better collaboration at national, district and community levels.” – Aminata Koromo, Director for Food and Nutrition and SUN Government Focal Point.

The study was funded by Irish Aid and included researchers from the London-based Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and FOCUS 1000. The study focused primarily on Kambia district but also involved extensive interviews with key Government Ministries, department and agencies, UN agencies and International and National Non-governmental organizations in Freetown.

A follow-up with all key stakeholders is expected to be called by ODI and FOCUS 1000 to develop an action plan in line with the findings to support efforts to eradicate malnutrition and improve the lives of women and children in Sierra Leone.

Learn more at FOCUS 1000