By: Aaron Bundu Lahai -Head of Media & Public Relations
The Honourable Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has last Thursday 24 August, 2023 visited Marcy Ships at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Cline Town, East of Freetown.
On arrival at the port, Dr Jalloh was taken on a conducted tour by crew Mercy Ship to the various facilities of the vessel.
In his engagements, the Vice President informed the ship crew about strides made by the Bio led administration in the last five years. He noted over two million children were enrolled into primary and secondary schools across the country. Vice President Dr Jalloh said also informed the delegation about government’s school feeding initiative, and the radical inclusion of pregnant girls attending school.
On health, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said government was able to reduce maternal mortality by 60% and a significant reduction in infant mortality rates.
He added that thousands of health workers were recruited in the last five years, and more hospitals and other health facilities were built.
The Hon. Vice President disclosed that the Government of Sierra Leone development agenda which is anchored on President Bio’s second term manifesto named; ‘Feed Sierra Leone’ divided into five pillars with agriculture being the principal priority.
He revealed that the government has been spending multi million Dollars on the importation of rice, onion and other food stuffs.
Dr Jalloh assured that the food narratives would be changed, disclosing government plans to feed Sierra Leone, adding that government would invest greatly in agriculture to ensure that the country with a fertile soil and abundant rain fall feeds itself from what it grows.
He disclosed plans by government to ensure that loan facilities would be made available for people who invest in agriculture, reiterating that loans schemes have been the challenge over the years.
The Hon Vice President explained about the creation of five hundred thousand jobs for young people in particular as the second priority of President Bio’s second term. He registered firm commitments to work with development partners. The Vice President lauded the ship crew for the generosity extended to the people of Sierra Leone.
Captain Perez of Mercy Ships informed Hon Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and entourage that the ship is in Sierra Leone for the next ten months and would treat over two thousand patients. He profusely thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for giving them a safe landing space.
