By: Mahamood Fofana
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on Saturday, 11th September 2026, convened at the University of Makeni Auditorium to gain insight into the Sierra Leone Disability Assessment, Determination and Certification Pilot Phase II protocol.
The initiative is being implemented by the University of Makeni, with support from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, as part of efforts to strengthen the identification, assessment and certification of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the research team, People Knowledge Tool representative Amjata Bayoh explained that the research seeks to identify, assess and certify persons with disabilities, particularly as the Government of Sierra Leone, through its partners, intends to establish a system for disability certification.
He said the study also seeks to identify gaps and barriers that limit persons with disabilities from fully participating in and performing their daily activities.
According to Bayoh, Paki Massabong in Bombali District was selected as one of the pilot communities because of existing statistical evidence indicating a significant number of persons with disabilities in the area.
Representing the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Sara Rotenberg said the intervention is aimed at ensuring that the health and well-being of persons with disabilities are adequately recognised and protected across Sierra Leone.
“We hope that this result would help them as they proceed to develop this system nationally,” she said.
Meanwhile, the District Coordinator for the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), Augustine Santigie Conteh, expressed appreciation to the researchers, the University of Makeni and their supporting partners for initiating the assessment.
Conteh called on MDAs and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the recommendations emerging from the research are implemented within the shortest possible time.
He stressed that persons with disabilities should be given equal opportunities to participate fully in society and access essential services, just like able-bodied persons.
The pilot assessment is expected to contribute to the development of a more comprehensive national disability assessment and certification system, potentially providing a stronger basis for policy planning, service delivery and inclusion of persons with disabilities across the country.
