The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) Representative, Ratzie Ndlovu has congratulated the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma for assiduously working to address issues affecting the welfare of women and children.

The UNFPA Representative made the comment during a working visit to the First Lady at her office at Presidential Lodge, Hill Station in Freetown. She added that the UNFPA would continue to support the initiative of the First Lady to reduce the high incidence of maternal mortality in Sierra Leone.

UNFPA Rep. raps with First Lady

Responding, Her Excellency Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma thanked UNFPA for their support to reduce infant maternal mortality.

Mrs. Sia Koroma indicated the importance of introducing the initiative of the Loan Scheme by the people of Mattru Jong country-wide. She reiterated that the scheme seeks to assist pregnant women to acquire their medication and further pay the cost of sending their children to acquire education in schools.

The First Lady added that the scheme will be launched as a national program very soon.  The First Lady stressed the need to establish birth waiting homes to assist pregnant women living far from hospitals, to receive medical treatment and reduce the distance to travel to the hospital for safe delivery of babies.

Earlier, the Administrative and Finance officer, Mr. Shehu gave an overview of the projects at Mattru Jong and Kabala.