Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh opens Sierra Leone’s first National Health and Nutrition Fair

On 29 April 2016, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Ambassador Dr Victor Bockarie Foh officially launched the National Health and Nutrition Fair with the theme “Gud it en welbodi pas gentri” meaning health is wealth. The Vice President is also the chair of the Chairman of the National Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat (SUN). The three day fair was organised by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with the Scaling up Nutrition and Immunization Civil Society Platform (SUNI-CSP), chaired by FOCUS 1000 and Co-chaired by Helen Keller International.

In his keynote address, the Vice President declared that as a Government, they are making history again this day by organising the first Health and Nutrition Fair in Sierra Leone. This he stated, is in fulfillment of the Government’s commitment to the people of this country, that among many other things, they as a Government will take the health of the people of this country and the human development seriously. He furthered that he is humbled, yet pleased to be part of this history-making event. The Hon. VP thanked the Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat, the line Ministries, Development  Partners, the UN Family and all the non-state actors who have worked tirelessly towards making this first Health and Nutrition Fair a memorable and accomplished event.

“The beautifully decorated stalls in the foyer of this Conference Centre and the products, particularly from our local raw materials, showcase your individual and collective efforts towards ending malnutrition and improving the health of out nation” averred the Vice President, whilst thanking all the key players for their “invaluable efforts.” Dr Victor Bockarie Foh, Vice President, Sierra Leone.

The Hon. VP thanked the Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat, the line Ministries, Development  Partners, the UN Family and all the non-state actors who have worked tirelessly towards making this first Health and Nutrition Fair a memorable and accomplished event. He assured them that His Excellency the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, the Government and people of Sierra Leone have recognised their commitment to ending malnutrition, stating further that they are profoundly pleased with progress made in this direction, so far.

“In 2012, with a new lease of mandate from our people, we also renewed our commitment to the people of this country to fight against hunger and malnutrition; and to build a well-nourished and prosperous nation. Since that time, we identified SUN as a flagship Programme and has attracted the highest political attention and support.” Dr Victor Bockarie Foh, Vice President, Sierra Leone.

This Fair has been described by Health NGOs and health practitioners as a spectacular showcase of the works of the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Health NGOs and Civil Society Organisations on their services in promoting good Health and hygiene practices for mothers and babies. The Health and Nutrition Fair also served as a one stop center where the privates sector displayed their involvement and services in promoting safe motherhood and a healthy baby.

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