World Vision launches ‘Close the Gap’ mobilization in Sierra Leone
In a bid to close the gap between the rich and the poor World Vision Sierra Leone in partnership with Health for All Coalition has launched a report in Bo and Bonthe District titled ‘Close the Gap’ join the global mobilization. (Photo: Stakeholders at the launching of World Vision Sierra Leone Close the Gap Campaign )
The ceremony was witnessed by hundreds of stakeholders in the health sector, development partner’s civil society and vulnerable groups in both Bo and Bonthe District supported by the World Vision Sierra Leone’s Area Development Programme (ADP).
Charles Mambu Executive Director of Health for All Coalition chaired the ceremony in Bonthe whilst Joseph Bindi Chairman of the Bo District Council chaired the launching ceremony held at the Bo District Council office in Bo.
Speaking at the launching ceremony the Coordinator of Child Health Now Campaign Jeremiah Sawyer said World Vision International recently conducted a survey in 176 countries and observed that the gap between the rich and poor is too wide.
He said to address this gap World Vision is closely working with stakeholders to close the gap by joining the global mobilization campaign ahead of the General Assembly meeting of heads of states at the United Nations.
However he said through strong leadership and action there has been a steady decrease in the number of under-five child deaths. But whilst progress is happening, it is not happening fast enough as 6.9 million children still do not live to see their fifth birthday each year, and many of the children being left behind live in the poorest and most vulnerable communities.
He added that the Close the Gap Mobilization Campaign has three major focuses to accelerate efforts to close the gap between the rich and the poor by investing in the most marginalized and hardest –to-reach children families and communities.
A World Vision Street rally Campaign on Close the Gap Campaign at Mattru Jong in Bonthe District
World Vision Sierra Leone Coordinator of Child Health Now Campaign Jeremiah Sawyer called on the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to intensify the Collection of good data on child health survival by equity indicators like income, disability, education, geography and ethnicity in order to make the gaps visible.
He called on state actors to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable children are monitored and no longer overlooked.
He said World Vision is asking for continues political will for closing the gap between the rich and the poor so as to ensure poverty is reduced and access to health is also improved for the poor.
Saidu Bah
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