Since 2017, 13-year-old Musu’s community in Kailahun District, has struggled with waterborne illnesses like diarrhea and cholera due to contaminated...
A lifetime of good health begins in childhood.
Children make up a significant portion of Sierra Leone’s population, approximately 3.9 million are under the age of 18, including 1.9 million under 5 years old. Yet too many face serious challenges to their health.
Stunting affects 26.2% of children in the country. Each year, around 5.2% (approximately 260,000 children) are affected by wasting, with an estimated 60,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition, placing them at the highest risk of death. Additionally, 67.8% of children are anaemic, and only 3.6% of those under five receive a minimum acceptable diet. Nearly 47% of children under 5 live in severe child food poverty. These challenges are worsened by poor dietary diversity and widespread food insecurity across the country.
These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive health and nutrition programs that address the root causes of malnutrition and poor health among children and women of childbearing age.
Our Impact
55,213
Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets distributed in Bombali, Kailahun, and Koinadugu districts to reduce the incidence of malaria.
241,284
children (12–59 months) received albendazole for the prevention and treatment of intestinal worms.
237,508
children (12–59 months) vaccinated through the Vitamin A Supplementation program across 16 districts.
30,000,000
million worth of pharmaceutical and medical supplies donated to the Ministry of Health in the last 3 years to support treatment for malaria, typhoid, diabetes, and other health conditions.
15
health clinics constructed, reaching over 71,000 people with essential health services.
12
birth waiting rooms rehabilitated in two districts to support safer deliveries.
5
Peripheral Health Unit (PHU) staff quarters constructed in three districts to support health workforce retention.
6
health facility staff quarters rehabilitated in three districts to improve working conditions for healthcare workers.
1,000,000 +
people now have access to clean and safe water.
Facts and figures from 2024 data.
Our Approach
Working with trusted local partner organizations, ChildFund supports communities as well as local and national health systems to address children’s health needs from before birth to young adulthood. Our programs focus on several intersecting areas, creating impact leading to lifelong health for children and families, no matter where they are.
ChildFund, committed to addressing child mortality and Sierra Leone’s high maternal mortality rates, partners MAP International as part of the Gifts-In-Kind program, to donate life-saving pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the treatment of life-threatening illnesses.
Over the past 5 years, ChildFund and MAP have distributed USD 30 million worth of drugs and medical supplies to the Ministry of Health for onward distribution to health facilities, supporting the fight against ailments such as diabetes, and reducing maternal and child mortality by ensuring essential medicines reach vulnerable communities across the country.
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Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children in. The country records over 2.5 million malaria cases and more than 6,800 deaths each year, with young children under five being the most vulnerable. In fact, malaria accounts for nearly 20% of child deaths in our country. But malaria is preventable, and with the right tools and knowledge, we can save lives. Insecticide-treated bed nets are one of the most effective, affordable defenses against malaria, providing immediate and long-term protection and significantly improving public health.
To protect children and families, ChildFund distributed 55,213 Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets to children in Bombali, Kailahun, Koinadugu and Falaba districts to reduce the incidences of malaria in the past 3. Learn more.
Mental health and safety are essential foundations for a child’s ability to learn and grow. Children cannot thrive academically unless they first feel safe and supported. That’s why our Education for Protection and Well-being Program prioritizes creating safe environments, protecting children from violence, and promoting mental and emotional well-being. Through positive social interactions, creative expression, and access to mental health resources, we nurture the holistic development of every child.
Through Social Emotional Learning (SEL), we help children aged 6 to 12 years build resilience, manage their emotions, and develop the social skills necessary for academic success and mental well-being.
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Poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water contribute significantly to malnutrition and stunting in Sierra Leone. Inadequate WASH infrastructure also spreads waterborne diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid, which are leading causes of illness and death. According to the WHO, 1.4 million annual deaths could be prevented with safe WASH. Strengthening WASH systems is essential for improving public health, reducing disease, and supporting sustainable development.
ChildFund’s interventions focus on improving access to water and sanitation facilities, supporting local committees to manage water sources, and educating families on safe water and hygiene practices.
To ensure sustainable, equitable access to quality nutrition care, ChildFund works to integrate nutrition interventions into Sierra Leone's existing health systems. This involves enhancing health care infrastructure, and improving supply chains to ensure the delivery of essential nutrition services, including micronutrient supplementation and malnutrition treatment.
Educating caregivers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and introducing nutrient-rich complementary foods thereafter can significantly improve child nutrition and reduce malnutrition rates. ChildFund’s programs include efforts to promote these practices, supporting families in improving their children’s nutritional health.
Featured Project
ChildFund Donates 25 Million Worth of Diabetes Drugs to the Ministry of Health To Fight Diabetes
On World Diabetes Day 2024, Sierra Leone took a bold step in tackling a silent but growing health crisis. ChildFund, in partnership with MAP International, handed over $25 million worth of diabetes medication to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for onward distribution to public health facilities across the country.
The donation couldn’t have come at a better time. A community screening conducted earlier in the year revealed that 1 in 5 people tested had dangerously high blood sugar levels. None of them were previously diagnosed. With diabetes now the fourth leading cause of illness and death in the country, the findings underscore the urgent need for early detection and sustained access to treatment. The donated supplies will be distributed across all 16 districts, ensuring that even remote and underserved communities have access to life-saving medication.
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In rural communities, a simple act like washing your hands can be a luxury, especially during a health crisis.
On World Diabetes Day, Sierra Leone took a major step in its fight against one of the country’s growing health...
