Sierra Leone
Malaria is the leading cause of death for children and adults in war-torn Sierra Leone. With your help, NetsforLife® will work to prevent and treat malaria in this vulnerable country.
Progress Indicators
- Nets distributed to date: 474,194
- Community members reached: 52,448
- Community volunteers trained: 3,905
- Nets to be distributed in 2011: 33,000
- Population:
- 5.7 million
- Reported malaria cases:
- 2.2 million
- Cases among children under 5:
- 8,500
- Reported Deaths:
- 8,900
Sierra Leone is still recovering from a decade-long civil war (1991-2002) that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than two million people, about one-third of the population.
Despite considerable natural mineral resources, the majority of the population lives on just $2 a day.
Rates of child and maternal mortality are the highest in Africa, and life expectancy hovers around 40.
With little infrastructure, a weak national health system and ongoing sociopolitical turmoil, Sierra Leone ranks at the very bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index.
Malaria in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, 100% of the population is at risk for contracting malaria. It is a leading cause of death for both children and adults.
NetsforLife® Implementing Partner
The Diocese of Bo, part of the Church of West Africa, will implement the program. The diocese is active in promoting educational and other social services throughout Sierra Leone.