World Vision launches Global Action Week on Children
World Vision Sierra Leone the leading child welfare organization has launched this year’s Global Action Week on the theme ‘Let find the uncounted, unseen, and invisible children in Sierra Leone.’ (Photo: World Vision staff launching the Global Action Week with a pledge for children )
The Global Action Week was launched Thursday May 1 , 2014 at the conference Hall of the World Vision Headquarters at Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
The Acting Operations Manager of World Vision Sierra Leone Umar Sesay said the Global Action Week of Action is a time for reflection on the plight of children so as to spur people for action to address the needs of children.
Giving an overview of the Global Week of Action World Vision Sierra Leone Child Health Now Coordinator Jeremiah Sawyer said the wants to being their staff, partners, Government and the society to take action for the countless poorest and most vulnerable children in Sierra Leone.
He said during the Global Action Week World Vision Sierra Leone will be presenting a position paper on child welfare issues like increased budget towards the health of children by promoting the Free Health Care Initiative.
He said World Vision will also be campaigning for an improved Nutritional status for children and investment towards Water and sanitation to help children to survive.
World Vision Sierra Leone Child Health Now Coordinator Jeremiah Sawyer also said that during the week they will be engaging religious leaders, children and the Government on the roles and responsibilities towards children.
He said in April 2001 Africa Union Countries signed a protocol to increase budget for the health sector to 15% but Sierra Leone is yet to implement the protocol.
He also called on the government to strengthen the capacity of health workers, increase health facilities for the survival of children.
The National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone Leslie Scott said children without Birth Certificate and could not benefit from services.
652 million children are under the age of five and many of them are not registered and the health services do not cater for them because they are not known.
He said children risk child trafficking, homelessness and disabilities because they are not officially registered with the Government.
He said in the next three years World Vision and their partners will ensure that no pregnant woman should deliver at home in Bo, Kono, Pujehun and Bonthe.
The National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone Leslie Scott also said that World Vision will also ensure that every child gets a certificate in their areas of operation within the next few years.
He said World Vision will also put resources towards immunization of children below the ages of five
He also recommended community driven statistics and monitoring initiatives, increased investments in effective system for civil registration and vita
He said Greater attention is need at the highest political level so as to strengthen routine data collection systems locally nationally, internationally to measure inequalities bridging the gap with families and communities by engaging and empowering their participation in data collection and in planning delivery and review of health services.
David J A lieu Advocacy Officer Health for All Coalition read out the pledge with staff of World Vision Sierra Leone by raising their hands.
Saidu Bah
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