Maternal and newborn mortality rates are high in Sierra Leone due to malnutrition and lack of preventative care. Pregnant women and young children who live in remote villages have an especially difficult time reaching health clinics. These barriers to accessing quality healthcare are prevalent across Tikonko, one of 14 chiefdoms in Bo District. Large sections of Tikonko were completely destroyed from 1994-1995 during Sierra Leone’s civil war.  Innovative and accessible health services are critically needed in order to meet the needs of mothers and children in rural Tikonko.

​One Day’s Wages partnered with Rural Health Care Initiative (RHCI) for a third year to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Tikonko Chiefdom. Our partnership supported and expanded child health services through newborn home visits, immunizations for young children, malaria case management, outreach clinics, and financial support for children with acute illness requiring hospitalization. Our partnership also supported and expanded health services for pregnant, postpartum and lactating mothers through a women’s health clinic and financial support for obstetric emergencies requiring hospitalization. This year, the capacity of Tikonko’s health workers grew through in-depth training opportunities. As a result, maternal and infant mortality rates across Tikonko continue to decrease!