Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Yet across sub-Saharan Africa, countless families still face life-threatening barriers to even the most basic medical services. For more than 40 years, Bread and Water for Africa® has been committed to changing this reality, bringing lifesaving care, medicines, and hope to tens of thousands of people each year, including some of the most vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone.
Working with trusted local partners such as Rural Youth Development Organization–Sierra Leone (RYDO-SL), and U.S. partners including MAP International, Bread and Water for Africa® delivers critical medical aid to underserved rural communities. Through mobile clinics, rehabilitation of rural health centers, and the provision of essential medicines and equipment, these partnerships ensure that quality healthcare reaches those who need it most.
The Healthcare Crisis in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone faces immense health challenges, driven largely by extreme poverty. According to a September 2025 Global Finance magazine report, Sierra Leone ranks 22nd among 190 countries worldwide as the poorest.
“Widespread poverty, youth unemployment and a lack of skilled labor, as well as vulnerability to weather conditions and dependency on commodity prices, compound the country’s problems,” Global Finance reports.
These economic hardships directly affect the healthcare system. In rural areas, especially, communities struggle with:
- Long distances to health facilities, often traveled on foot
- Severe shortages of medicines, equipment, and trained healthcare workers
- Weak healthcare infrastructure
- A heavy burden of infectious diseases, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis
Despite these challenges, local solutions supported by committed partners are making a lasting difference.
Lives Transformed Through Care and Compassion
Today, individuals like James, Hannah’s child, and Brima are living healthier, more hopeful lives thanks to clinics supported by Bread and Water for Africa® and its healthcare partners.
James Senesie: “I Thought I Would Never Work Again”
Forty-year-old James Senesie, a construction laborer from Mowoto Village, supports his wife and three children through daily manual labor. While lifting heavy blocks at a construction site, James suffered severe muscle spasms that left him barely able to move.
“The pain was intense and prevented him from working, causing immediate concern about feeding his family,” reported Joseph Kobba, RYDO-SL Program Director.
With no transport and limited resources, James relied on his brother to help him walk three miles to the Bongor Health Center. There, Nurse Edith Smith conducted a thorough assessment and administered Methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant supplied through RYDO-SL with support from Bread and Water for Africa® and MAP International.
She also provided guidance on rest, safe lifting techniques, and a gradual return to work.
“The pain was unbearable. I thought I would never work again,” James said. “The nurse’s care and the medicine gave me hope and strength.”
Within days, James regained mobility and returned to work, once again able to provide for his family.
“I thank RYDO-SL and their partners for helping working men like me survive and continue providing for our families,” he said gratefully.
Hannah Kainesie: “This Treatment Saved My Child”
In August, 23-year-old Hannah Kainesie feared for her child’s life when frequent diarrhea led to severe dehydration. Hannah lives with her husband and two young children in Mogbevo Village, earning an irregular income as a small-scale farmer and petty trader.
“Some days we sell enough to manage, other days there is nothing,” Hannah explained. “When a child falls sick, you start thinking about how to get help.”
As her child became weak and refused food and drink, Hannah knew she could not wait. With neighbors’ help, she walked four miles to the Mokpendeh Maternal and Child Health Post (MCHP).
At the clinic, Nurse Anthonient Victor immediately identified dehydration and began treatment using Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier, supplied by RYDO-SL with support from Bread and Water for Africa® and MAP International.
“When the nurse said, ‘You brought the child at the right time,’ I felt hope,” Hannah recalled.
The nurse explained the treatment, demonstrated home care, and provided guidance on hygiene, safe drinking water, and early care-seeking.
Within a short time, Hannah saw her child regain strength and alertness. The child was able to return home the same day, avoiding further complications and financial strain.
“This treatment saved my child,” Hannah said. “But the kindness of the nurse and the explanation gave me courage.”
Brima Abdulai: “This Medicine Changed My Life”
After months of unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and frequent urination,55-year-old Brima Abdulai, a rice farmer from Mofwe Village, walked three miles to the Kaniya Health Center seeking answers.
After months of unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and frequent urination,55-year-old Brima Abdulai, a rice farmer from Mofwe Village, walked three miles to the Kaniya Health Center seeking answers.
There, Nurse Francess Monsaray diagnosed him with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. She provided patient education on diabetes management, diet changes, and medication adherence, and started him on Metformin Hydrochloride, supplied through RYDO-SL with partner support.
“Before, I thought diabetes was a death sentence,” Brima shared. “The nurse explained everything to me slowly and with love.” With consistent treatment and follow-up, Brima’s blood sugar stabilized, his strength returned, and he resumed farming.
“This medicine changed my life,” he said. “I am deeply grateful to RYDO-SL, Bread and Water for Africa®, and MAP International for standing with a poor man like me.”
A Lasting Impact
From treating acute injuries and childhood dehydration to managing chronic diseases, Bread and Water for Africa® and its partners are strengthening healthcare access and protecting livelihoods across Sierra Leone.
Through continued collaboration with local organizations like RYDO-SL, families in remote villages receive not only medicine but dignity, compassion, and hope for a healthier future.
