Every day, Sierra Leone welcomes about 700 newborns, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive planning to safeguard the future of the nation’s children. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has stressed that preparing for this demographic trend is vital for the country’s long-term development.
Speaking at the recent budget hearing held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, VP Jalloh emphasized the necessity of forward-thinking policies in education, healthcare, and social services to adequately respond to the demands of the growing population.
He pointed to notable progress in financial inclusion, which has risen from 20% in 2017 to 39%, but acknowledged that significant efforts remain. With international aid shrinking and the global economy under strain, Jalloh appealed for stronger domestic revenue mobilization to finance key development programs. “The connection between revenue and our ability to deliver quality services is undeniable,” he noted. “For every 700 children born daily, we aim to provide nearly 8 to 10 free classrooms—our flagship education drive.”
The Vice President urged swift action, stressing that Sierra Leone’s future hinges on the country’s capacity to plan effectively and harness resources today. “The challenges are great, but the time to act is now if we want to secure a brighter tomorrow for our children.”
This message reinforces the urgency of strategic planning and revenue generation to transform Sierra Leone’s demographic growth into meaningful progress for its youngest citizens. The choices made today will determine the nation’s tomorrow.
