SIERRA LEONE: AN EXEMPLAR IN FAMILY PLANNING
Sierra Leone increased modern contraceptive prevalence from 6% in 2000 to 25% in 2019. This exemplary progress was enabled by a strong national commitment to gender equality that emerged following a decade-long civil conflict.
Modern contraceptive prevalence rate (%)
Sierra Leone compared with other Family Planning Exemplar countries
Research Brief
The post-conflict Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone, and Sierra Leoneans themselves, identified gender equality as a government priority.
I hope to see a Sierra Leone offering equal opportunities for boys and girls from the cradle to the grave. ... In particular, I want to see a country where girls are not left out but are encouraged to reach the highest peak of their potential.
Extract from the essay "My National Vision for Sierra Leone" by Chinsia E. Caesar
-Essay submitted to the National Vision for Sierra Leone, a project of the TRC.
This vision was realized through policies and programs that established a foundation for family planning progress. Sierra Leone identified family planning as central to improving maternal and child health outcomes and provided free services, optimized delivery of multiple methods, and mobilized community and religious leaders to improve access and uptake of voluntary family planning, enhancing the wellbeing of mothers and children across Sierra Leone.