By Emma Black
The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) and Food Systems Coordination Unit (SUN & FS CU), under the Office of the Vice President, successfully convened a SUN & Food Systems Engagement and Advocacy Workshop in Bombali District. The event marked a significant step toward reinforcing multisectoral collaboration and strengthening nutrition governance in Sierra Leone.
The workshop brought together 39 key district stakeholders from Bombali, Tonkolili, and Kerene Districts, representing diverse sectors such as health, education, agriculture, civil society organizations, and local government authorities.
Also in attendance were officials from Freetown, including representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Food and Nutrition (DFN).
The session received technical and financial support from UN Nutrition, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to improving coordination, governance, and capacity within Sierra Leone’s nutrition and food systems.
A key highlight of the workshop was the practical demonstration of the Web of Nutrition, a visual and interactive tool that illustrates how nutrition is linked across multiple sectors — including health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation, and social protection.
Through this exercise, participants gained a deeper understanding of how joint sectoral efforts are essential to achieving sustainable nutrition outcomes and food security at both national and local levels.
The one-day engagement sought to advance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and district-level leadership in nutrition and food systems transformation.
The key objectives were to, Foster a of multisectoral approaches to nutrition and food systems.
on Sierra Leone’s nutrition commitments and data systems, among district stakeholders and SUN networks. in food production and nutrition. for effective advocacy and policy transformation in , and food systems.
The session was chaired by the Chairman of the Bombali District Council, who welcomed participants and commended the initiative for advancing the government’s vision of achieving improved nutrition and resilient food systems across Sierra Leone.
He emphasized the importance of local government participation in driving change and pledged continued collaboration to ensure nutrition becomes a central part of district development planning.
This workshop is part of a broader national initiative titled “SUN & Food Systems Engagement Across All Districts in Sierra Leone”, which aims to promote inclusive coordination, local ownership, and collective accountability for nutrition and food systems transformation.
The program underscores the government’s recognition that sustainable nutrition outcomes can only be achieved through cross-sector collaboration, data-driven policies, and community-level engagement.
Special appreciation was extended to UN Nutrition (REACH), development partners, district representatives, and all participants for their continued support, collaboration, and commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s nutrition agenda.
The Scaling Up Nutrition and Food Systems Coordination Unit reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that every district plays an active role in building a healthier, food-secure Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 10th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
