By Jenneh Braima
As early as last January, a 50kg bag of the most expensive imported rice in the local market - Jasmine – cost Le 127, 000. By the second week of this January, it’s Le 190, 000. The difference has accrued over the last 12 months, fuelled by a number of factors affecting this still struggling economy of Sierra Leone. But the last nine months, characterized by the Ebola epidemic, accounts for most of the increment, consumers, business people and government officials say.
By Fatou Wurie
In the last quarter of 2014 hundreds of Sierra Leoneans passed through the gates of the only National Ebola Response Recruitment Drive (N.E.R.R.D). They had their temperature taken, hands washed in chlorinated water and they sat in neatly-spaced seats hopeful about this “opportunity” – an opportunity to learn, to perhaps earn a stipend. Or more importantly, secure work during a very insecure time in Sierra Leone.
By Sheik Bakarr
On Saturday 28 December last year, while relaxing after a stressful morning, I stumbled on a radio magazine programme on Creole culture on my favourite ''Universal Radio'' anchored by a certain Adolphus.
By Kemo Cham
Before the 2014 Ebola outbreak in May, it was HIV/AIDS that occupied much of the world's attention. But as rapidly devastating as Ebola has proven to be, campaigners are warning that the world can’t afford to lose sight of the plight of the over 50, 000 Sierra Leoneans living with
HIV.
Besides diversion of funds, there are concerns that HIV positive people are shying away from hospitals over fear of contracting Ebola, stigmatisation and discrimination, risking further complicating their health situation.
By Kemo Cham
In Waterloo, the Western Rural district some 18 miles from the capital Freetown, a young mother carrying a child hurriedly boarded a minibus, locally called ‘Poda Poda’. Hardly any of the other passengers might have noticed her until she drew their attention. Her son had been attacked by convulsion, a seizure that is common with babies, and she pleaded for the vehicle to depart immediately so that she could have him treated.
Supported by: Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)
