By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – UNICEF has marked its 40th anniversary of partnership with Sierra Leone, celebrating four decades of resilience, collaboration, and commitment to children’s rights and wellbeing. At a press conference in Freetown, UNICEF leaders reflected on the organization’s journey, its impact, and future priorities.
“A Truly Special Milestone” – UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwerik
UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwerik described the anniversary as a landmark moment in Sierra Leone’s development story.
“This week marks a truly special milestone as we celebrate more than forty years of partnership between UNICEF and the Government and people of Sierra Leone, four decades defined by resilience, collaboration, and shared purpose,” Schwerik said.
Tangible Results Over Four Decades
- Under-five mortality reduced by more than half.
- School enrolment significantly increased nationwide.
- Expanded access to clean water and social services.
Schwerik highlighted UNICEF’s role during the civil conflict, supporting the reintegration of child soldiers and maintaining essential services. He also noted the agency’s life-saving interventions during Ebola, COVID-19, and Mpox outbreaks, as well as its contributions to rebuilding schools and health facilities in the post-war era.
Data-Driven Future: New Six-Year Country Programme
UNICEF is currently conducting the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) to provide updated data on children’s well-being. Schwerik emphasized that this evidence will guide the new six-year Country Programme, aligned with Sierra Leone’s national development plan.
“Rather than small pilot projects, our focus is on achieving large-scale, sustainable impact,” he said.
The programme will prioritize innovation, partnerships, and efficiency, while strengthening collaborations with African institutions under frameworks such as USAID’s Africa Strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Liv Elin Indreiten echoed Schwerik’s message, stressing that progress has been achieved through sustained, integrated approaches rather than isolated projects.
“By combining emergency response with long-term development, UNICEF and its partners have placed children at the centre of Sierra Leone’s national development agenda,” she said.
Health
UNICEF has contributed to:
- Expanded access to maternal and child health services.
- Early immunization campaigns and stronger primary healthcare delivery.
- Support during emergencies to keep health services running.
Education
- Rebuilt schools after the war.
- Expanded free basic education.
- Promoted inclusive learning for girls, young mothers, children with disabilities, and those in remote areas.
Child Protection
- Led demobilization and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict.
- Strengthened child protection systems and provided psychosocial support.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
- Delivered safe drinking water and hygiene programmes in schools.
- Emergency WASH services during outbreaks and disasters.
Social Protection
- Supported cash transfers, nutrition programmes, and welfare systems.
- Helped vulnerable families access essential services and build resilience.
Looking Ahead
Both Schwerik and Indreiten reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to Sierra Leone, promising to continue working with the government, civil society, and international partners to deliver collective results for children.
“As the largest humanitarian agency in Sierra Leone, UNICEF will continue to work closely with government, UN sister agencies, civil society, and development partners to deliver collective results for children. That is our aim and our promise,” Schwerik concluded.