Disease outbreaks – including of Ebola and, more recently, COVID-19 – and years of civil war have devastated the healthcare system in Sierra Leone, leaving it severely understaffed.
Since MSF first responded in Sierra Leone – during a cholera outbreak in 1986 – we have adapted and expanded our projects to meet the growing needs in the country. Today, our teams monitor the spread of different diseases, including COVID-19, and is helping to boost the pool of skilled and qualified medical staff.
In a country where child and maternal death rates are exceptionally high, our activities are focused on children under five, pregnant women and lactating mothers, especially in Kenema, in the country’s east.
MSF currently runs medical projects in three districts, Kenema, Tonkolili and Bombali, helping the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to provide general and specialist healthcare, including for tuberculosis and HIV. Our teams also provide psychosocial support and treatment for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
To address the lack of skilled and qualified health workers, the MSF Academy has enrolled nurses and clinical heath officers in Kenema, to help improve the services and to deliver effective responses during emergencies.
What are we doing in Sierra Leone?
01
Malaria
Across all age groups, malaria is the country’s single biggest killer, accounting for 38 per cent of hospital admissions. Children are particularly vulnerable to malaria. In Sierra Leone, MSF treats malaria at Hangha hospital in Kenema district, and through mobile clinics that reach 25 villages in Kenema.
02
Preventable diseases
Outbreaks and civil war have severely weakened Sierra Leone’s health system. Children are affected by malaria, malnutrition, diarrhoea and skin diseases. To help address the burden of preventable disease and monitor disease outbreaks, MSF is part of the case management and surveillance group at the Sierra Leone Emergency Operations Centre.
03
Maternal and paediatric care
Our activities focus on providing healthcare for children under the age of five in Hangha hospital, including therapeutic feeding for malnourished children, and general paediatric care. Our teams also provide care for pregnant and lactating women, including the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. A new maternity ward in Hangha hospital includes two operating theatres for complicated deliveries and a neonatal unit.
04
Outreach activities
MSF outreach teams are delivering community-based medical care directly to people in 25 remote and hard to reach villages to address medical issues such as malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia in Kenema district, through 10 local health units set up in these areas. Our activities also include ensuring consistent supplies of essential drugs, medical consultations, child vaccinations and health facility rehabilitations.
Our activities in 2023 in Sierra Leone
Data and information from the International Activity Report 2023.
1,426
1,426
€17.6 M
17.6M
1986
1986
MSF in Sierra Leone in 2023
Improving healthcare for mothers and children remains a priority for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Sierra Leone. Since 2019, we have also been running a tuberculosis (TB) project in Bombali district.
152,000
152,
27,100
27,1
11,800
11,8
2,150
2,15
Sierra Leone
Assessing Trauma in Sierra Leone
Report
11 Jan 2000
Sierra Leone
Mental trauma in Sierra Leone
Press Release
11 Jan 2000
Sierra Leone
MSF workers released in Sierra Leone
Project Update
16 Dec 1999
Sierra Leone
MSF workers held in Sierra Leone
Press Release
9 Dec 1999
Sierra Leone
Mutilations of civilians in Sierra Leone
Report
24 May 1999
Saving Lives and Limbs
Voices from the Field
3 May 1999