Relief Efforts in Sierra Leone
CARE began work in Sierra Leone in 1961, initially focusing on school food programs to improve children’s nutrition. Currently, CARE supports a youth-led network to end female genital mutilation, and is a partner with several organizations that combat violence against women and girls.
A big chunk of CARE’s work in the West African nation is focused on improving reproductive health for women by supporting the national health system through providing medical supplies and modern contraceptive methods, as well as providing training to health service providers, in order to promote quality services.
CARE places a special emphasis on strengthening women’s access to and awareness of reproductive health and HIV and AIDS prevention within communities, increasing the availability of quality information, taking into account different needs and sensitivities, while working with stakeholders and communities to strengthen mechanisms that will improve reproductive health services and facilities for adolescent girls and at risk women.
CARE also works to build upon the investments made under the Post-Ebola Recovery of Health Services (PERHS) program in order to sustain the facility, its systems, equipment and community in specific districts and works to enhance women’s economic empowerment through skills development.