We've worked in Sierra Leone for over 50 years, building healthy communities and supporting people to develop secure and resilient livelihoods.
We've supported 13,500 pregnant women and new mothers and their babies through our health projects.
We've empowered 1,360 young people to access sexual and reproductive health information and services.
We've supported the development of 46 'husband schools', where harmful gender norms are challenged.
Previous projects we've worked on
By combining essential technology with skills development, we're reducing maternal and infant mortality in rural areas.
Healthy communities
Maternal and newborn health
This project has now ended
We're improved the capacity of front-line health workers to support pregnant women, new mothers, and newborn babies. Volunteer doctors worked within emergency care facilities to help reduce maternal and neonatal mortalities, whilst outreach activities increased the demand for these services. Rural health workers can now use pioneering battery-powered ultrasound scanners to detect complications in pregnant women.
Doctors for Development project
Engaging men in gender-based violence
This project has now ended
In partnership with local organisation FINE-SL, we’re addressed 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 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.
We're worked to reduce food insecurity by supporting research into increased agricultural productivity.
Resilient livelihoods
This project has now ended
In partnership with the Sierra Leone Agriculture Research Institute (SLARI), we worked 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.
Find out more about our work in:
Maternal and newborn health
Improving access to quality healthcare for mothers and babies.
Inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights
Supporting the most vulnerable people to realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.