We began our intervention in Sierra Leone in 2012, starting from the “last mile” at Pujehun Hospital in the southern part of the country, and later expanding to other areas: Freetown, the capital, and the districts of Bo, Makeni, Kailahun, Port Loko, and the Western Area Rural, supporting hospitals and health centers. In 2014, the country was struck by a major crisis: Ebola. With 14,000 cases and around 4,000 deaths, we chose to face this devastating epidemic remaining alongside the population. Pujehun district where we were working was the first to be declared Ebola-free.

Ensuring access to healthcare for mothers and children in Sierra Leone is a major challenge, as the country is characterized by numerous rivers that often isolate villages and make transport to hospitals difficult. In the hospitals of Pujehun, Bo, and Makeni, we provide maternal care and support with qualified staff, equipment, and medicines. In Pujehun, we have also established a referral system using ambulances, motorbikes, and boats to overcome logistics challenges. In this hospital alone, with 59 beds, more than 1,200 deliveries are assisted every year. Our pediatric work focuses mainly on malnutrition.

We are also engaged in training and raising awareness among healthcare workers for the prevention of obstetric fistula.