He informed his audience that the guidelines are meant for use by their health service providers, institutions and organization providing care and support to persons with tuberculosis and HIV.

The Chief Medical Officer reiterated that the Ministry of Health is happy to produce the document that will serve as a reference for care providers on best practices required for tuberculosis and HIV control through in-service training programmes in their hospitals and health facilities.

He disclosed that as a Ministry, they are fully committed to the provision and full implementation of comprehensive care packages for all tuberculosis and HIV infected persons in the country, adding that he will continue to support both programmes in ensuring that these services are available to all in the country.

Dr. Jambai stated that the guidelines seeks to improve knowledge and skills on nutritional care and support among health service providers whose activities may include providing nutrition information, care and support to individuals or groups of people living with HIV and or TB patients, their household members and communities.

He expressed gratitude to the World Food Programme (WFP) for their financial and technical support in the development and printing of the documents, and thanks UNICEF, WHO, Hellen Keller International, CISMAT-SL and NETHIPS for the technical review of the document.

In her statement, WFP Social Protection and Safety Nots Coordinator, Iyayj-Osazene Oyegun said the launch and roll out of the guidelines and tool kits are important for WFP as they signal the government commitment to setting the agenda and strategy for nutrition care and support services in Sierra Leone.

She said the purpose of the guideline is to serve as a tool for district health services and nutritional health services to provide adequate nutritional care and support for people living with HIV and tuberculosis.

Madam Oyegun stated that the document seeks to address the different categories of nutritional care required from pregnant woman, lactating mothers to children in households across the nation.

She thanked the Ministry of Health and assured of WFP`s commitment to support the process.

The Chairman for the ceremony Dr. Samuel Juana Smith said government recognizes the fact that HIV/AIDS and TB are among the leading public health problems in Sierra Leone.

He acknowledged the efforts of the programmes with support from their international and national health partners for the progress recorded with scaling up of lifesaving interventions.

Highlight of the even include statement from the Programme Manager, National Leprosy/TB Control Programme, Dr. Lynda Foray and Programme Manager National AIDS Secretariat, Dr. Samuel Massaquoi.