Secretary General of Saudi Arabia's based Inter-Governmental Organisation, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on its 57 Member States and the International Community at large to urgently extend humanitarian assistance to Sierra Leone following the outbreak of one of the worst cholera epidemic in the country.
In a Press Release issued by the OIC this week, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed concerns that the disease, which is curable and preventable could contaminate more people unless safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, quick and effective medical care were readily available to the people.
The Turkish-born OIC Chief also noted that 224 deaths have been recorded and more lives remained at risk with the advent of heavy rains in the months of September and October 2012.
The OIC Secretary General reiterated his support to Sierra Leone, adding that, the country has been undergoing a rebuilding process more than a decade after a long period of civil strife. The learned Professor also urged all OIC humanitarian stakeholders to provide the much needed relevant medicines and medical equipment to Sierra Leone in its efforts to fight this deadly disease.
In a related development, the Sierra Leone delegation in the just concluded preparatory meeting for the 39th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), has appealed to the OIC Member States to come to the rescue of Sierra Leone at this hour of urgent need.
Othman Sheriff is an experienced Sierra Leonean development professional, peacebuilding practitioner, professional journalist and human rights advocate with over two decades of engagement in community development, youth empowerment, education, humanitarian assistance and international development cooperation. Born and raised in Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone, he has dedicated much of his professional career to improving the socioeconomic conditions of vulnerable and marginalised populations, particularly disadvantaged young people, women, children and underserved rural communities.
As the Founder and Programme Director of Youth in Action for Development (YAD), Sheriff has played a leading role in mobilising international development assistance and coordinating community-driven interventions aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion and grassroots development. Over the years, he has facilitated the mobilisation and implementation of development projects worth billions of Leones, supported by international development partners, including European development institutions, humanitarian organisations and United Nations agencies.
A committed advocate for free and inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Sheriff spearheaded the establishment of the Youth Resource Academy (YRA) in 2018, through which he has championed access to practical, employment-oriented education for underprivileged youth, particularly young women, school dropouts, single mothers, widows, unemployed youth and individuals from economically disadvantaged households. So far, the Academy has provided vocational, technical and entrepreneurship training opportunities to more than 2,000 youth helping them acquire marketable skills, pursue self-employment and improve their economic independence. He also solicit funds to provide start up kits for the youth who graduated from the academy.
In addition to his development and humanitarian work, Sheriff serves as the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Critique Echo Newspaper, using journalism as a platform to promote accountability, responsible governance, social justice and public awareness of critical socioeconomic and human rights issues.
He is a dedicate member of many international peacebuilding networks including the United Religions Initiative (URI), International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), Intercultural Leaders Network of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC)`s Youth Solidarity Fund, and the alumni Association of King Hamad Youth Empowerment Awards.
Through his leadership, advocacy and international partnerships, Sheriff continues to champion a vision of Sierra Leone in which disadvantaged young people have equitable access to education and economic opportunities, women and girls live free from violence and discrimination, human rights are respected, and communities are empowered to pursue peaceful, inclusive and sustainable development.
Secretary General of Saudi Arabia's based Inter-Governmental Organisation, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on its 57 Member States and the International Community at large to urgently extend humanitarian assistance to Sierra Leone following the outbreak of one of the worst cholera epidemic in the country.
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