By Staff Writer
A monitoring team from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has conducted an official visit to the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) headquarters in New England Ville to evaluate the implementation and impact of projects funded under the UN–India Development Partnership Fund. The delegation, comprising Compliance Officer Erica Bach and Research Analyst Helena Toledo, carried out the assessment on Thursday, April 16, 2026, as part of ongoing oversight efforts aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and the effective utilization of development resources.
The UN–India Development Partnership Fund supports a range of inclusive development initiatives in Sierra Leone, with a particular focus on improving the welfare, empowerment, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs). During the engagement, NCPD Chairman Brima Abdulai Sheriff presented a comprehensive progress report on key project activities. He highlighted gains made in advancing disability inclusion through targeted interventions, while also drawing attention to pressing challenges that require urgent action.
Foremost among these is the need to accelerate the delivery of shelter and livelihood support to vulnerable beneficiaries. Chairman Sheriff warned that delays could expose persons with disabilities to severe hardship during the impending rainy season. “The rains are already approaching, and we cannot allow our colleagues to endure another season without proper shelter,” he said, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to timely implementation and improved living conditions for beneficiaries.
UNDP representatives commended the NCPD for its dedication to promoting inclusive development and ensuring that interventions reach some of the country’s most marginalized populations. They noted that regular monitoring missions are critical for tracking progress, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and identifying gaps requiring corrective action.
The visit also provided an opportunity for both parties to review implementation strategies, discuss challenges, and explore ways to enhance coordination for greater impact. The engagement concluded on a positive note, with both UNDP and NCPD reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening collaboration and advancing sustainable, inclusive development for persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone.
