Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Leads Collaborative Efforts in Sierra Leone to Combat Malnutrition

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Leads Collaborative Efforts in Sierra Leone to Combat Malnutrition.

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is currently in Freetown, Sierra Leone, attending a series of high-level meetings aimed at galvanizing support to combat malnutrition.

On Monday, May 27, 2024, Vice President Koung departed Liberia for a three-day official visit to the Mano River Union (MRU) country.

During his visit, Vice President Koung met with Sierra Leone’s Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, to discuss potential collaborations for supporting the fight against malnutrition. Both leaders head their countries’ National Scaling-Up Nutrition (SUN) Secretariats.

Vice President Koung stated that his visit aims to enhance understanding, share knowledge, and identify actionable solutions to address the challenges of malnutrition in Liberia. He emphasized that his presence in Freetown demonstrates the political commitment to mobilize resources and facilitate cross-sectoral coordination to achieve malnutrition reduction goals in Liberia.

He also underscored the importance of exchanging ideas on how both Vice Presidents can collaboratively tackle malnutrition in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Additionally, Vice President Koung paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Their discussion focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. President Bio highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the countries and stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in economic development, trade, and other areas.

Vice President Koung concluded his visit with a meeting with the Minister of Health of Sierra Leone. The main topic of discussion was devising strategies to reduce infant mortality by 30%, particularly among teenage mothers.

The Sierra Leone Ministry of Health plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to address malnutrition.

Vice President Koung’s visit underscores the commitment of both Liberia and Sierra Leone to address critical health issues through regional cooperation. The discussions highlighted the importance of joint initiatives and shared experiences in tackling malnutrition, which remains a significant challenge in both countries.

The series of meetings also included engagements with various stakeholders, including representatives from international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and local community leaders. These interactions aimed to foster a comprehensive approach to malnutrition, ensuring that all relevant sectors are involved in the solution process.

As the visit concluded, both Vice Presidents expressed optimism about the potential for increased collaboration and resource sharing between Liberia and Sierra Leone. They reiterated their commitment to continuing the dialogue and working together to improve the health and nutrition outcomes for their citizens.

Vice President Koung’s participation in these high-level meetings in Freetown marks a significant step towards strengthening regional partnerships and mobilizing collective action against malnutrition. It also reflects a broader commitment to achieving sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life for people in the Mano River Union region.

The outcomes of this visit are expected to contribute to the formulation of more effective policies and programs that address the root causes of malnutrition, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient communities in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.