Mr Koroma mentioned that the investment in children’s survival and well-being would also contribute to poverty reduction, income equality and economic growth, adding that the world couldn’t afford to address the most disturbing aspects of poverty through child-related interventions.

“These investment initiatives include expanding micronutrients for children, increasing immunization coverage, protecting the welfare and rights of these children, lowering the price of schooling and removing education barriers for girls,” he said.

Director of children’s affairs at the ministry of social welfare gender and children’s affairs, Kadijatu Buya-Kamara, said they were committed to fostering the needs of children in the country and that the challenges they faced were enormous.

Deputy chair of the social service committee in parliament, Gladys Gbappy-Brima, explained that the social welfare ministry was shying away from parliament and that even during the budget hearing process they never came before the house.

She told them that monies received from donors on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone should be put into proper use.