Sierra Leone

Young children and families in Sierra Leone have been plagued by food insecurity caused by inflation, civil unrest, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though food insecurity is rapidly spreading across the country, families living in rural areas have particularly been devastated by the climbing costs of food, fuel, and fertilizer. Over 1.5 million people in Sierra Leone are facing crisis levels of food insecurity, and nearly one in three children under the age of 5 is facing chronic malnutrition. The situation has been further worsened by demonstrations throughout the country that have blocked supply routes — and killed dozens of people.

In response to Sierra Leone’s food insecurity, World Vision is providing cash, food vouchers, agricultural seeds, and fertilizer to 7,000 households. Approximately 167,035 children have benefited from our health and nutrition support programs, and nearly 4,000 children recovered from severe acute malnutrition. More than 290,000 children have benefited from our child protection response. World Vision continues to offer psychosocial support and counseling to children, women, and other vulnerable groups.