Access to high quality healthcare is crucial for ensuring that children have the best start in life.
The availability of sexual, reproductive and maternal health services is also a important to make sure that young women and girls have the opportunity to make informed choices about their health.
We work alongside eight development partners on the Saving Lives in Sierra Leone programme to improve health and well being of women and children.
Our 184 young volunteers (called Community Mobilisers) are experts in community engagement and work with communities to understand and overcome the barriers to accessing high quality medical care.
Young volunteers spread awareness of health services and help to build trust and relationships between healthcare service providers and citizens. They organise activities such as “mothers clubs” and “dads clubs”, to influence change and make sure they know how to best look after their and their families health. This is leading to more people using professional healthcare services.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 volunteers have pivoted the programme, and undergone training, to address the most urgent and pressing concerns in safely and practicing social distancing. They now focus on providing up to date information from the Ministry of Health, holding and washing demonstrations, as well as holding community radio discussions in local languages. This is helping to ensure everyone can take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their families during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Photo Credit: Bob Lamin
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