SUN &Food Systems Coordination Unit, Office of the Vice President

25/05/2026

Strengthening Nutrition Accountability Through Data and Innovation in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

On 21st May 2026, Day 2 of the high-level Orientation Workshop on the Nutrition Information Management System (NIMS) and the National Nutrition Commitments (2025–2030), convened by the Scaling Up Nutrition and Food Systems Coordination Unit (SUN-FSCU) under the Office of the Vice President, brought together MDAs, development partners, and technical stakeholders at the FAO Conference Room, Wilberforce, Freetown.

Moderated by Bernadette Allieu, the session focused on strengthening nutrition data systems, enhancing Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), improving data quality and validation, and promoting evidence-based decision-making through NIMS operationalization.

Facilitated by Julien, Consultant to SUN-FSCU, participants engaged in technical discussions and practical exercises on partner quarterly reporting, reporting workflows, validation procedures, dashboards, analytics, and real-time nutrition data tracking.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Martha S.E. Williams-Ngegba emphasized the importance of strong nutrition data systems in driving accountability, informed policy decisions, and improved nutrition outcomes across Sierra Leone.

✨ Together, we are advancing a stronger, healthier, and nutrition-secure Sierra Leone through collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

21/05/2026

🌍Strengthening Nutrition Accountability Through Data and Innovation in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

On 19th May 2026, the Scaling Up Nutrition and Food Systems Coordination Unit (SUN-FSCU), under the Office of the Vice President, successfully convened a high-level Orientation Workshop on the Nutrition Information Management System (NIMS) and the National Nutrition Commitments (2025–2030) at the FAO Conference Room, Wilberforce, Freetown.

The workshop brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, technical experts, and key stakeholders to strengthen multisectoral coordination, improve nutrition data reporting, and reinforce accountability mechanisms toward achieving Sierra Leone’s national nutrition priorities.

The workshop was moderated by Aminata B. Bangura, Communication and Outreach Officer for SUN & FSCU, who officially introduced Dr. Martha S.E. Williams-Ngegba as the newly appointed Director General of SUN-FSCU, describing her appointment as a significant step toward strengthening leadership and institutional coordination within the nutrition and food systems sector.

The opening session was delivered by Madam Nenehbah Jalloh, National Coordinator of SUN-FSCU, who warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration, commitment, and coordinated action in advancing Sierra Leone’s nutrition agenda.

During the technical session, Dr. Martha S.E. Williams-Ngegba presented the key objectives of the orientation workshop, highlighting the need to:

✅ Strengthen understanding of the National Nutrition Commitments (2025–2030) and Multisectoral Strategic Plan indicators
✅ Improve Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems for nutrition and food systems reporting
✅ Enhance data quality, validation, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making through NIMS
✅ Build practical skills on NIMS data submission tools, dashboards, and analytics
✅ Establish a functional multisectoral Data Technical Working Group
✅ Promote climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive, and resilient food systems across Sierra Leone

Key technical presentations and discussions focused on the operationalization of the newly introduced Nutrition Information Management System (NIMS) — an innovative platform powered by interactive data analytics and visualization tools designed to support real-time tracking of progress on the 11 National Nutrition Commitments.

Representatives from key development partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s nutrition transformation agenda:

🔹 UNICEF emphasized the importance of reliable nutrition data systems in strengthening child and maternal nutrition outcomes and encouraged stronger intersectoral collaboration to ensure no vulnerable population is left behind.

🔹 FAO highlighted the critical role of integrated food systems, climate resilience, and evidence-based planning in achieving sustainable nutrition outcomes, while reaffirming continued technical support toward strengthening national nutrition coordination.

🔹 The Embassy of Ireland commended the Government of Sierra Leone for prioritizing nutrition accountability and innovation, stressing that partnerships, transparency, and data-driven action remain essential for sustainable development and improved livelihoods.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Martha S.E. Williams-Ngegba thanked participants and partners for their active engagement and underscored the critical importance of effective nutrition data systems in promoting accountability, coordination, informed policy decisions, and improved nutrition outcomes across Sierra Leone.

✨ Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and nutrition-secure Sierra Leone through partnership, innovation, and accountability.

29/04/2026

Bi-Annual Supportive Supervision & Stakeholder Engagement – Kono District, Eastern Province (29 April 2026)

The SUN–Food Systems Coordinating Unit (SUN-FSCU), under the Office of the Vice President and with support from Helen Keller Intl., successfully conducted its Bi-Annual Supportive Supervision across Kono, Tonkolili, Pujehun, and Moyamba Districts, strengthening district-level nutrition governance and multi-sectoral coordination.

Engaging over 20 devolved sector institutions per district, the exercise enhanced accountability, improved reporting systems, and addressed critical gaps in key nutrition interventions, including Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS), Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), and deworming.

In Kono District, a high-level stakeholder engagement held on 29 April at the Augustine Sahr Sheku Dukonor Hall convened key actors to reinforce coordination mechanisms and accelerate the implementation of Sierra Leone’s 11 National Nutrition Commitments (2025–2030).

Discussions emphasized integrated, cross-sectoral approaches to tackling malnutrition, improving immunization coverage, and ensuring that no child is left behind.

The engagement further strengthened structured supportive supervision, joint planning, and data-driven decision-making through platforms such as the National Nutrition Information Management System (NIMS). Key priorities highlighted include expanding access to affordable, nutritious foods, promoting locally produced diets, scaling up MMS and VAS coverage, strengthening supply chains for nutrition commodities, increasing domestic financing, and advancing climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive interventions.

Stakeholders underscored the need for stronger media partnerships to amplify nutrition messaging, while district authorities reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated, inclusive, and results-driven service delivery.

This initiative aligns with the SUN Movement Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) and the Feed Salone Strategy, reaffirming Government’s commitment to delivering sustainable nutrition outcomes at scale.

Together, we are accelerating progress toward a healthier Sierra Leone.

24/04/2026

From Dialogue to Investment: Building Sierra Leone’s Food Parks 🇸🇱

On 22 April 2026, over 80 leaders from government, private sector, finance, and development partners gathered at Brookfields Hotel, Freetown, for the Industrial Food Systems Leadership & Partnership Forum.
The focus: moving from talk to action through clustered food parks under Feed Salone and Nourish Salone—to drive investment, create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve nutrition.

Key Highlights:
Sierra Leone is open for business—with the private sector leading transformation
Urgent need to unlock affordable finance, energy, and infrastructure
Priority value chains: cocoa, cassava, rice, coffee, animal feed, and flour milling

What’s Next?
Develop 3–5 investor-ready food park projects
Launch blended finance to support SMEs
Empower women and youth-led agri-businesses
Strengthen food safety and market access
Establish a Food Parks Technical Taskforce

💡 The message is clear: Sierra Leone is shifting from dialogue to delivery, with strong partnerships driving real investment and impact.


Movement

20/04/2026

Sierra Leone Advances N4G Action Plans

Following the MEAL Accountability Framework Training (Jan–March 2026), the SUN Civil Society Alliance presented Sierra Leone’s draft action plans to strengthen accountability on Nutrition for Growth (N4G) commitments.

The Children Advocacy Forum (CAAF) joined the training and, together with other stakeholders, shared key outcomes with the SUN platform.

🔍 Key gaps: funding, advocacy, and low awareness of N4G commitments
💡 Focus areas: increased nutrition financing, community awareness on MMS & VAS, and stronger accountability systems

🤝 Driving progress toward a healthier nation.

16/04/2026

District-Level Stakeholder Engagement on National Nutrition Commitments (NNCs)
Falaba District, Mongor – Sierra Leone
24th March 2026

The Scaling Up Nutrition & Food Systems Coordinating Unit (SUN-FSCU), with support from Action Against Hunger (ACF), successfully convened a District-Level Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Falaba District.

The engagement brought together key stakeholders from the health, agriculture, WASH, education, and community sectors to advance Sierra Leone’s National Nutrition Commitments (NNCs) under the global Nutrition for Growth (N4G) framework.

Key Focus
The session aimed to strengthen awareness, foster community ownership, and enhance stakeholder accountability in implementing national nutrition priorities at the district level.
• Promote coordinated, multi-sectoral action on nutrition
• Amplify nutrition advocacy through community and media platforms

🤝 Together, we are strengthening systems, empowering communities, and accelerating action to end malnutrition in Sierra Leone.
🇸🇱

05/04/2026

18/03/2026

SUN Participation in SLARI Annual Work Conference

The SUN Movement in Sierra Leone proudly participated in the two-day Annual Work Conference organized by the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), held from 10th–11th March 2026 in Rokupr under the Food Systems platform.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to review SLARI’s research and development achievements (January 2025 – December 2026), highlighting the critical role of evidence-based agricultural innovations in strengthening food security, improving dietary diversity, and advancing nutrition outcomes across the country.
SUN commends SLARI for its strong commitment to aligning its 2026 work programme with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Agenda. This alignment is essential to ensure that agricultural investments effectively contribute to improved nutrition—particularly for women, children, and vulnerable communities.

SUN remains committed to supporting multi-sectoral collaboration that links agriculture, food systems, and nutrition for sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

12/03/2026

Strengthening Agrifood Systems for a Resilient Sierra Leone.

On Friday, 6th March 2026, the Scaling Up Nutrition and Food Systems Coordination Unit (SUN–FSCU) participated in a Technical Validation Workshop convened by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in partnership with AKADEMIYA2063.
The workshop reviewed and validated key diagnostic findings to support Sierra Leone’s alignment with the Kampala CAADP Declaration, which guides efforts to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems across Africa.
The discussions focused on three major diagnostic assessments conducted by AKADEMIYA2063:
• Kampala Status Assessment and Profile (SAP)
• Kampala Goals and Milestones (KGM)
• Policy and Program Opportunities (PPO)
These analyses will support the development of a Kampala-compliant National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) for Sierra Leone.
The workshop brought together government institutions, development partners, and technical experts who provided valuable inputs to ensure the findings reflect national priorities and development goals.
This engagement reinforces the collective commitment to strengthen policy alignment, prioritize investments, and accelerate agrifood systems transformation in support of the Feed Salone Strategy.
The validated diagnostics will serve as an important evidence base for shaping Sierra Leone’s National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan, contributing to food security, economic growth, and improved livelihoods for all Sierra Leoneans.

02/03/2026

Bi-Annual Supportive Supervision – Bo District
Date: 25 February 2025

The SUN–Food Systems Coordinating Unit (SUN-FSCU), with support from Helen Keller Intl., successfully conducted its Bi-Annual Supportive Supervision in Bo and Kenema Districts.

The exercise engaged 18 devolved sector institutions per district to strengthen coordination, improve reporting and accountability, and address gaps in key nutrition interventions including Vitamin A Supplementation, MMS, and Deworming.

This initiative reinforces Government’s commitment to strong district-level nutrition governance and alignment with the SUN MSP and Feed Salone Strategy.

Together, we advance nutrition for a healthier Sierra Leone.