Mothers with their babies waiting at a clinic in Sierra Leone | VSO
©VSO/Georgie Scott

Sierra Leone

We've worked in Sierra Leone for over 50 years, building healthy communities and supporting people to develop secure and resilient livelihoods. We are currently active in the Bo, Bombali, Kenema and Western districts.

13,500

We've supported 13,500 pregnant women and new mothers and their babies through our health projects.

1,360

We've empowered 1,360 young people to access sexual and reproductive health information and services.

46

We've supported the development of 46 'husband schools', where harmful gender norms are challenged.

Healthy communities

Isha, who is five months pregnant with her second child, receives an ultrasound scan at Batanoi Community Health Centre

By combining essential technology with skills development, we're reducing maternal and infant mortality in rural areas.

Maternal and newborn health

We're improving the capacity of front-line health workers to support pregnant women, new mothers, and newborn babies. Volunteer doctors work within emergency care facilities to help reduce maternal and neonatal mortalities, whilst outreach activities increase the demand for these services. Rural health workers can now use pioneering battery-powered ultrasound scanners to detect complications in pregnant women - before it's too late.

Doctors for Development project

Engaging men in gender-based violence

In partnership with local organisation FINE-SL, we’re addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues and gender-based violence against women, by engaging boys and men as advocates for change. Through this innovative approach – which recognises the importance of working with men, rather than focusing exclusively on women and girls – we’ve recruited and trained 1,150 male advocates and peer educators (MAPEs), who engage men on a range of related issues including sexual and gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, sexual and reproductive health, early marriage and child abuse.

Men involved in the project – including through its 46 community-based ‘husband schools’ – now play an increasingly supportive role for their partners, including taking more responsibility for childcare and supporting their spouse’s reproductive choices.

Breaking with tradition: engaging men

Resilient livelihoods

A boy carries water outside the village of Charlotte in Sierra Leone

We're working to reduce food insecurity by supporting research into increased agricultural productivity.

In partnership with the Sierra Leone Agriculture Research Institute (SLARI), we're working to reduce poverty and food insecurity through encouraging stronger governance and increased agricultural productivity and diversification.

Our professional volunteers are providing expert support and advice to SLARI, building its capacity to conduct essential research into agronomy, natural resource management, agricultural technology, horticulture, and livestock care.

Contact us

We work with a number of partners in Sierra Leone including the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the European Union. Our delivery partners partners include the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, FINE Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Agriculture Research Institute, the Office of National Security and the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society.

If you are interested in supporting our work, or if you have another query, get in touch:

Address: 15b Betts Farm - Off Aberdeen Road ,Freetown ,Sierra Leone.

Tel: (+232) 78 761915 / (+232) 79 251888


Find out more about our work in:

A smiling young mother lies in a hospital bed and holds her newborn baby on her chest
VSO/Ginny Lattul

Maternal and newborn health

Improving access to quality healthcare for mothers and babies. 

Regina Mwaba sharing her story and encouragement to some young girls inside the Youth Friendly Space at Mbabala Clinic.
Chosa Mweemba

Inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights

Supporting the most vulnerable people to realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.