Reducing child mortality in Sierra Leone is a key focus of Freedom From Fistula (FFF) at the AWC. Sierra Leone has one of the world’s highest child mortality rates, with 1 in 5 children not reaching their 5th birthday.
An average of 80-100 children are seen every day at the OPC for a variety of illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, malnutrition and acute respiratory infections. The AWC also continues to offer free, vital childhood vaccinations. Of the 19,923 consultations undertaken in 2022, we saw 218 teenagers (aged 13 to 15), provided 9,801 immunizations and provided 3,988 HIV tests of which 78 were positive.
Lamin, at a little over a year old, had been coming to our OPC on a weekly basis for 6 months. He was very poorly when he first arrived. But, accompanied by his dad each week, we were delighted to see little Lamin’s health improve considerably. He is responding well to treatment, the regular medical check ups and supervision.
“I thought all was lost. But, AWC gave me hope and courage to believe that my son will live. I am very grateful and thankful to God and the management of AWC. May God bless them” Lamin’s dad
With support from the Aminata Maternal Foundation in Australia, we provide a Skills Development Training program for 60 teenage mothers each year. The program helps transform their lives through vocational training to help them gain employment or start businesses, as well as builds their self-esteem and confidence.
Isata was selling potato leaves for her mother when she met a teenage boy and they started a relationship. She was in love but for him it was just fun. She became pregnant and the boy ran away. Fortunately somebody told her about AWC and she was registered and safely delivered her cute baby girl.
Isata is also one of the teen moms benefitting from training through our Skills Training Centre, supported by Aminata Maternal Foundation.
Isata was one of our best students, motivated from the beginning and focused on her skills training. She now has the skills to work as a tailor, cook, housekeeper or hairdresser and we are very proud of Isata.
Isata started as a cleaner and cook at AWC, but did extremely well, so we offered her a job as a procurement officer. She is very happy and grateful for her first well-paid job.
