Dr Daleep Mukarji the Christian Aid Director who is on a ten days visit to Sierra Leone has pledged his organizations continued support to the country as “Sierra Leone is a priority to his work.”
Briefing journalists yesterday at the Christian Aid office at Aberdeen the Director said he first came to the country in 1996 and 1997 but that during this particular visit he has seen great improvement and it was very important that he is here to see for himself and not only to read it over the internet or listen about the country over the radio.
Speaking about the purpose of his visit the Director disclosed that he is here to learn about the work of their officials and to learn about what is happening now and prospects for the future of the country. He added that he is also here to help the people of Sierra Leone and see how Christian Aid can work in supporting the country. Dr Mukarji further disclosed that it is a privilege to work with the Christian churches and other organizations and they have been strengthening these organizations, because when the organizations are strengthened then there will be more reason for them to stay. He maintained that people have hopes and expectations and they don’t want to go back to the old bad days. Because of that he said there is need for all to work stressing that they need good programme that will be benefit the people of the country so that they get a better quality of life. Talking about HIV/AIDS which is one of the areas of concern the Christian Aid Director said that when once someone has been diagnoses as having HIV the first thing they are faced with is denial and this is extended to the other family members sometimes kids of those infected with the virus.
He said that people including religious leaders need to talk about HIV since the disease is mostly related to sex but “this virus is a medical, social and poverty problem and there is need to talk about it and we can handle it if we tackle it that way.”
The SAVE message he said is very important and the AIDS secretariat should apply this message in the fight against the virus.
Dr Daleep Mukarji a committed Christian has faith and passion for justice and poverty eradication. During the course of his visit here, the Dr has met with Christian Aid partner organizations as well as donors, government officials and other development partners.
By Betty Milton
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