UNICEF and Government of Sierra Leone Launch Comprehensive Situation Analysis on Children and Adolescents Report

FREETOWN, 14 August 2024 – UNICEF and the Government of Sierra Leone today launched the Situation Analysis on Children and Adolescents in Sierra Leone (SitAn). This report, which was produced by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED) in collaboration with UNICEF, provides an in-depth look at the conditions and challenges facing the country's nearly 4 million children and adolescents.

The SitAn provides a detailed analysis of the current situation and proposes recommendations to improve the well-being of Sierra Leone's young population, which, with a median age of 19 years, is also one of the youngest in the world.

According to the findings:

• Nearly 7 out of every 10 children are affected by child poverty.
• Less than 1 of every 10 children are covered by social protection.
• 1 in every 10 babies die before they reach their fifth birthday.
• 7 out of 10 children under 5 years of age do not have a birth certificate as proof of their registration.
• Nearly 2 in 10 children are out of school, and the quality of education is a challenge for those who are in school.
• 9 out of every 10 children experience some form of violent discipline.
• 3 out of every 10 girls marry before they turn 18.
• 2 out of every 10 girls aged 15-19 are pregnant.

Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said: “Sierra Leone, like other African countries, is experiencing a significant increase in its child and youth population. It is vital that government and partners recognise this transition and seize the opportunity to address some of the most pressing challenges by implementing the recommendations set out in this report."

Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, said: "This report provides strong evidence to drive the transformative policies and investments needed to address the vulnerabilities and unique needs of children and adolescents. Together with our partners, we will continue to support the Government of Sierra Leone in addressing the deprivations affecting children and young people to improve their lives".

“The SitAn report is a significant milestone in our continuous endeavours to prioritize the well-being and advancement of children and adolescents, who are the most vulnerable members of our society. It is the fruit of a collaborative initiative involving the Government of Sierra Leone, UNICEF, and diverse stakeholders dedicated to the cause of child and adolescent welfare” said the Honorable Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay.

“The insights and conclusions articulated in the report will serve as a guiding factor in shaping more efficient policies and interventions aimed at enhancing the lives of our children and adolescents across Sierra Leone,” said the Honorable Minister.

The Situation Analysis on Children and Adolescents also revealed that; 61 percent of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have undergone FGM; 30 percent of children under five are stunted or wasted; over 36 percent of households do not have access to improved water sources; and 25.1 percent of the population practices open defecation.

An adolescent-friendly version of the SitAn was also produced to highlight the specific vulnerabilities and needs of girls and boys transitioning from childhood to adulthood, and the targeted interventions needed to address teenage pregnancy, child marriage, gender-based violence, education, access to information and climate change.  A group of young advocates at the launch echoed these sentiments, urging all partners to advance the report's recommendations.   

Notes to editors: 
Download the full report
Download the executive summary
Download the adolescent perspectives and recommendations   
Download the snapshot