Community heroes in action, bridging the gap between families and health facilities
A community-based health approach strengthening access to care for mothers and children.
Congowo, Sierra Leone - As the sun sets over Congowo Village in Sierra Leone’s Moyamba District, a soft golden light fills the veranda where Community Health Worker (CHW) Umu Bah gathers with caregivers and children who have just returned from their farms. The air is calm, punctuated by the gentle hum of evening activity as Umu begins her health talk. With her picture chart and register resting on her lap, she speaks with quiet confidence about recognizing the signs of childhood illnesses and the importance of early care. Around her, women listen intently — tired but eager — knowing that these sessions are more than just lessons; they are pathways to saving lives.
Through the Community Health Worker programme, implemented by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and funding from the Government of the Republic of Korea (RoK), volunteers like Umu Bah bring essential health and nutrition care closer to families in hard-to-reach communities. Trained to provide basic services such as health education, nutrition screening, immunization referrals, Vitamin A administration, and early detection of childhood illnesses, CHWs are a lifeline for thousands of rural households who often live far from health facilities.
“I’ve helped mothers understand why vaccines matter, tested children for malaria, and referred sick babies who might not have survived otherwise,” says Umu Bah, her voice warm but firm. “Before, many mothers didn’t know where to go or waited too long. Now, they come early — because they trust us.”
The results of this community-based approach are profound. In 2025 alone, CHWs conducted over 880,000 home visits, offering counselling, referrals, and lifesaving care to mothers and children. In Moyamba District, where Umu works, 793 CHWs benefited from ongoing mentorship through the Performance Review and Clinical Mentoring model, which builds their confidence, technical skills, and accountability.
“This programme has transformed how health services reach our people,” says Ndanehma, CHW Focal Person at the Moyamba District Health Management Team (DHMT). “We now see stronger collaboration between CHWs and health facilities. Mothers are better informed, children are treated earlier, and referrals are made on time. The community trusts the system more because they see results.”
For Moses Cowan, UNICEF Health Specialist, the success of the initiative lies in its integration and sustainability. “Community Health Workers are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s primary health care system,” he explains. “By building their capacity and providing regular mentorship, we’re not just improving service coverage, we’re strengthening resilience. It’s about ensuring that every mother and child, no matter where they live, can access quality care.”
The impact of this investment is visible in the lives of families like Aminata Sesay’s. Sitting near the veranda, Aminata recalls when her two-year-old daughter fell ill with a fever. “It was late in the evening, and Umu came to check on us,” she says softly. “She tested my child for malaria and told me what to do. When the fever didn’t go down, she referred us to the health post. My daughter recovered quickly. Without Umu, I don’t know what would have happened.”
Beyond treating illness, Umu plays a vital role in prevention. During vaccination campaigns, she walks from house to house, ensuring no child is left behind. Her efforts, and those of her fellow CHWs, have helped reduce the number of zero-dose children and increase immunization coverage to over 90 per cent for key childhood vaccines.
“I feel proud knowing that fewer children are getting sick,” Umu says, smiling as the session wraps up and the mothers head home through the dusk. “We are saving lives right here in our villages.”
For UNICEF and its partners, Umu’s story is one among thousands that show the power of investing in community-led health care. With continued support from the Government of Korea, the CHW programme is helping to build a stronger, more equitable primary health system in Sierra Leone, one home, one child, and one dedicated volunteer at a time.
