Where We Work

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has made meaningful strides in strengthening its health system toward universal health coverage, even as major crises—including the Ebola epidemic, natural disasters, and COVID-19—have tested that progress. Helen Keller Intl has worked alongside the government and other partners to expand access to healthcare and good nutrition, supporting communities with essential supplements, local food production, and dietary diversification.

Sierra Leone is the 3rd most vulnerable country to the effects of climate-induced and man-made disasters—making it harder for farmers to grow enough food to offset rising hunger.

Maternal deaths account for 36% of deaths among women aged 15-49, mainly due to malnutrition, depleted immune systems, and cost of care.

Lymphatic filariasis was once endemic in all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, causing severe swelling and disabilities, socio-economic impacts, and stigma.

Together, we help communities create lasting change by:

Supporting families with climate-smart knowledge and tools to grow their own affordable, nutrient-rich foods and build financial security by selling surplus produce.

Ensuring pregnant women receive prenatal vitamins with a host of critical vitamins and nutrients, more than iron-folic acid alone, to protect their health.

Partnering with communities and the government to ensure people receive essential medication to prevent and treat neglected diseases, including lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, schistosomiasis, and intestinal worms.

Last year, we helped millions build lasting change

More than 2,600 farmers received training on climate-smart practices, growing varied crops, post-harvest management, and marketing to increase production and improve their earnings.

Reached close to 263,000 pregnant women with comprehensive prenatal vitamins, supporting health and nutrition better than iron-folic acid alone.

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Treated close to 1.3 million people for at least one neglected tropical disease. 94% of Sierra Leoneans are no longer at risk of lymphatic filariasis.