01
HIV/AIDS
The neonatal mortality rate in Sierra Leone is 78 per 1000 births and is currently the highest in the world (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.IMRT.IN). Infant mortality in some parts of Sierra Leone is 4 times the sub-Saharan average with over 200 deaths per 1,000 live births (www.data.unicef.org). There are regional differences across the country: in Kenema, recorded rates in 2021 reached astronomic levels of 224 per 1,000 births (or almost 1 in every 4 children) according to the 2021 National Survey. Reflecting these dire statistics, 9% of Sierra Leonean children (1 in 11) die before reaching their 1st birthday and 15% of children (1 in 7) do not survive to their 5th birthday. Children living in rural areas are more likely to die at an earlier age than children in urban areas. In children under 5 years of age, the mortality is 181 per 1,000 live births in rural areas, compared to 158 per 1,000 live births in urban areas. Under 5-yr mortality is slightly higher among children born to mothers with no education 5 (180 deaths per 1,000 live births) than among children born to mothers with secondary or higher education (147 deaths per 1,000 live births). In the 2013 National Survey, more than 7 in 10 women report having at least one problem accessing healthcare for themselves. Two thirds of women were concerned about having money for treatment.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has continued unabated since the 1980s. An African Development Bank report of 2019 stated that the prevalence of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B (HBV) is particularly high in the 7.5 million population of Sierra Leone. The country has a mixed and generalised HIV epidemic, with a prevalence of 1.7%. The 2019 Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS, 2019) indicates that HIV prevalence is higher in urban areas than in rural areas (2.3% versus 1.2%). However, there are indications that the incidence may be increasing and unless addressed urgently, it has the potential to deteriorate into a major public health emergency. Although there is some degree of HIV awareness among adults, uptake of voluntary HIV testing has remained low (<30%). Tragically, under one third (29%) of the country’s 60,000 people living with HIV/AIDS were on antiretroviral therapy in 2015
02
HBV/Hepatitis B
HBV is also a major health problem in West Africa and in Sierra Leone in particular. The prevalence rate is estimated at 13% (one of the highest in the world). Apart from sexual transmission, most HBV-positive people acquire the virus at birth from their mothers or in early childhood. However, with increasing drug usage, infection through shared needles is an increasing problem, reaching epidemic proportions in some areas of the country. The virus is also easily contracted through poorly sterilised medical equipment in hospitals and clinics. Apart from causing hepatitis, a major cause of death in Sierra Leone is hepatitis B-related liver cancer – one of the commonest causes of death amongst young men in the country. HBV is preventable if vaccines are given immediately after babies are 7 born (or within the first 24 hours). The progression to liver cancer is preventable with antivirals such as Tenofovir (which also treat HIV)
What We Do
01
Education and Training
We will educate people and train professionals to reduce transmission and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and HBV that prevents many from seeking healthcare access.
02
Prevention and Vaccination
We will provide care and support for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to prevent the transmission of HIV along with birth dose HBV vaccines and a post-natal follow-up clinic for infants and their mothers.
03
Screening and Testing
We will perform easily available, free and confidential HIV and HBV diagnosis through point-of-care testing, screening and contact tracing with confidential assessment.
04
Treatment and Support
We will dispense a free, reliable and continuing source of HIV and HBV treatment and promote mental well-being in patients suffering from these diseases.
05
Community Outreach
We will deliver HIV and HBV healthcare services across the country and combat the stigma through community outreach including schools, churches, mosques and hospitals.
