Child mortality in Sierra Leone is among the highest in the world. The causes include malnutrition, inadequate healthcare and preventable diseases such as malaria and diarrhoea. Together with its partner organisation Mama Pikin Foundation, SolidarMed strengthens the local health system so that children receive better care in good time.
Keyfacts zum Projekt
Sensitise the village population
In order to protect young children from the consequences of malaria, diarrhoeal diseases or malnutrition, prevention and are early diagnosis of the diseases key. To this end, the population, in particular the carer givers, are sensitised through campaigns, for example on village radio, on how they should react appropriately to children's health problems. There are also self-help groups for women, men and young people, which are accompanied by trained health personnel. Informal health service providers, such as traditional birth attendants or village health workers, also receive further training.
Improving diagnosis and treatment
The use of standardised diagnostic and treatment procedures can save children's lives by enabling diseases to be identified effectively and quickly and treated appropriately. In order to introduce professional triage in the health centres and the district hospital, the medical professionals must be trained and supported. SolidarMed also provides support where there is a lack of necessary equipment such as medicines, food supplements, devices or reagents. Motorbike ambulances will enable rapid transport from the health facility to the hospital.
Strengthening the healthcare system sustainably
In order to sustainably promote the health of young children, the project is accredited by the health authorities and integration into national action plans is ensured. For this, SolidarMed can count on the many years of experience of its partner organisation Mama Pikin Foundation. In addition, the authorities are supported in the annual district health planning.
Collaboration with the Mama-Pikin Foundation
The project is being implemented in close collaboration with the Mama-Pikin Foundation, a local NGO with proven experience in health programmes.
