Feature

How Sierra Leone's laws violate the human rights of mental health patients

By Alimamy Sultan Koroma

Across the world, attitudes towards the mentally ill are changing. There is a growing understanding that mental health problems are no different from other illnesses, and can be cured if approached with care, empathy, and dignity.

Unfortunately, Sierra Leone seems oblivious to these changes and remains one of the worst countries for people with a mental disorder. Unfounded cultural beliefs, lack of resources and archaic laws continue to fuel stigma against the mentally ill, resulting in gross human rights violations.

Salon Fos: The political rhetoric that calls for a better Sierra Leone

By Stephen. T. Fomba

During a recent conversation with a good friend, he emphasized the importance for Sierra Leoneans to understand the difference between State, Government, and the ruling political party, stressing that they are different. We did not discuss his position beyond that, but I stayed up in bed hours after my bedtime pondering on what he had said.

Fixing Sierra Leone’s national football team

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

When Umaru ‘Zaingallay’ Bangura missed that penalty two weeks ago, the outpour of emotion was ugly. Most people were angry - extremely angry.

During that moment, very few were supportive. Emotions ran to a fever pitch. But Sierra Leone’s failure to qualify for the second phase of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers should not just be blamed on the captain. The blame should rest with so many other people and factors.

Sierra Leone is now prepared to respond to any health emergency

By Kemo Cham

If an epidemic of any disease were to erupt today, Sierra Leone has all what it takes to contain it, at least on paper.

The country’s health authorities say all what is needed is contained in the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), which was launched last week. The document outlines how the country will respond to emergencies, both in terms of expertise and resources needed, and facilitate its achievement of universal health coverage.

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