Diabetes: big deal, but care remains out of reach for many in Sierra Leone
When Adama Sesay was diagnosed with diabetes in 2024, many worries ran through her mind. Foremost among them was the memory of her elder sister, whose leg was amputated as a result of diabetic complications. “For weeks I was depressed,” recalls the 63-year-old widow and mother of three. “I know what diabetes did to my […]
Silence on FGM undermines child protection in Sierra Leone
Every day, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn’t make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes up with rights, including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard. World Children’s Day is meant to be a celebration of progress. A reminder of our duty to create […]
Maternal health in Sierra Leone: poverty and systemic neglect undermining women’s safety and dignity
When 28-year-old Emma arrived at a Freetown maternity ward to give birth, her biggest worry was the pain of labour. But that wasn’t the only challenge ahead of her. She also had to worry about money. “They only focused on the ones who had money, and because I lacked money, I had to suffer,” she […]
High Kingdom: a 27-year-old’s battle with kush addiction
Among the many buildings that are scattered in a sprawling neighbourhood in Western Freetown, one shack stands out. It is not a home or office. It is not a stall or shop that sells any of the obvious everyday convenience items, but it gets very busy as early as 7 am. To its diverse clientele, […]
Reflections on menstrual poverty: turning shame to strength
Young and naive at age 11, I started menstruating. I had no idea what to do. No one had spoken to me about menstruation as it was regarded as a shameful taboo topic. I got back from school on a hot Wednesday afternoon, tired and hungry. I was menstruating for the first time. There wasn’t […]