Partnering to save the most vulnerable in times of COVID-19

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited and Heineken Africa Foundation have signed an agreement with World Vision in Sierra Leone to kick start the second phase of its COVID-19 Water Sanitation and Hygiene project valued at US$300,000. The project will target more than 110,000 people directly and more than 220,000 indirect beneficiaries.

During World Water Week in 2020, Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, the Heineken Africa Foundation, and World Vision announced their shared commitment to promote lifesaving hygiene education and hand washing facilities in the fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.  

The first phase of the project increased access to sustainable clean water and hygiene practices for poor, vulnerable communities in its areas of operation in Freetown City. Through the project three solar mechanised boreholes were constructed and they are benefiting more than 30,000 people in three communities in Freetown City. The project supported 6,550 vulnerable people in slums and hard-to-reach areas to access WASH kits. In addition, members of households were sensitised on the importance of hand washing to prevent COVID-19 and other common diseases such as diarrhoea. Similarly, WASH kits were distributed to 19 schools, a settlement for persons with disabilities, and six religious’ institutions.

Additionally, World Vision supported five health facilities with hand washing stations and infection prevention and control materials. In partnership with the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, World Vision engaged 178 (130 male, 48 female) faith leaders to disseminate COVID-19 prevention messages to their congregations.

In his address, Sagane Thiaw, National Director for World Vision in Sierra Leone, said he considers the multi-sectoral collaboration as a platform for the identification of the most vulnerable beneficiaries and locations for the construction of the solar mechanised boreholes, cash vouchers, and hygiene kits distribution required in the project. “I would like to use this moment to thank Heineken Africa Foundation for funding this project and Sierra Leone Brewery Limited for supporting the implementation. I further express our gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the Ministry of Water Resources, and Freetown City Council, who have joined hands with World Vision in ensuring the effective implementation of phase one of this project. I hope that this collaboration will spark new and stronger partnerships. World Vision remains committed to complementing the Government’s efforts in ensuring the wellbeing of children, their families, and communities”.

On behalf of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited and Heineken Africa Foundation Albert Ojo Collier, Corporate Affairs Manager and Company Secretary, said that as a partner for growth, they have been steadfast in implementing the pledges they make to improve the lives of people. “I am pleased that so far we have not reneged on these commitments. We recommit ourselves as true corporate citizens and industry leaders to continue this good work to reach even the remotest parts of our communities. As I have indicated earlier, this project forms part of the Strategic Integrated Projects of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited”.

As the country continues its fight against COVID-19, World Vision is considered a stronger partner supporting the Government of Sierra Leone to achieve its universal health goal.