COVID-19 vaccines protecting lives in slum communities in Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone - The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees, and Sierra Leone was no exception. In 2021, the country reported over 7,000 confirmed cases and 125 deaths; a small number by global standards but devastating for a nation with a fragile healthcare system. In the crowded slums of Kroo Town and Susan’s Bay, where families live shoulder to shoulder and healthcare services are scarce, the virus posed an especially grave threat.

When the COVID-19 vaccines arrived in March 2021, they were more than vaccines, they were a lifeline for communities that had endured so much fear and loss. Led by the Ministry of Health and supported by development partners and local partners, the vaccination campaign focused on reaching all eligible populations, especially the most vulnerable, like those living in Kroo Town and Susan’s Bay. Today, three years later, the impact of those efforts is visible in the lives of the people who received the vaccines. The vaccines have protected not only those who received them but also those who were too young to take the vaccines, and those who, due to medical grounds, could not take the vaccines.

In Kroo Town, a tightly packed community with limited sanitation and healthcare, the early days of the pandemic were terrifying. Many residents, including Isata Jalloh, a mother of three, turned to community outreach programmes to access the vaccines they desperately needed. “I got my first dose at Macaulay Street Hospital,” she said, “After the second shot, I had a bad headache, but the health workers told me to drink plenty of water and rest. They were so kind and patient. Now I’m here for my booster because protecting my family is what matters most.”

Others, like Betty Sandi, faced a harder road. After her first dose, Betty experienced menstrual irregularities and hesitated to return. With encouragement from healthcare workers, she overcame her fears. “I want my family to be safe,” she said, “Even if there are side effects, the safety of my community is important.”

Susan’s Bay, one of Freetown’s largest slums, is home to over 10,000 people. Its busy wharf and a hub for boats traveling between Sierra Leone and Guinea, made it a high-risk zone for COVID-19 transmission.

Fatmata Kamara, a trader who spends her days interacting with dozens of people, remembers the fear that swept through her community. “COVID-19 was terrifying,” she said, “When the vaccines came, I didn’t even think twice. Today, I’m here for my final dose and I’m so grateful. It’s not just about me; it’s about everyone I meet daily.” 

For 20-year-old Paul Vandi, the vaccine was a way to protect the people he loves most. As the only male in his household, he felt responsible for ensuring his family’s safety. “I made sure my younger sister and everyone in my house got vaccinated,” he said. While he experienced mild dizziness after his shot, Paul has no regrets. “It’s a small price to pay for the protection it gives us.” 

Reaching these communities was not easy. Vaccine hesitancy was widespread at first, fuelled by misinformation and fear. Gloria Fakondoh, the vaccination lead for Susan’s Bay, remembers how challenging it was to gain people’s trust.

“People were scared,” she said, “They thought the vaccine would make them sick or harm them in some way. But we didn’t give up. We went door to door, held meetings with local leaders, and talked to people one-on-one. Slowly, they began to see that the vaccine could save their lives.”

Interestingly, Gloria noticed that men in Susan’s Bay were more eager to get vaccinated than women. “Some of them believed the vaccine improved their manly performance ,” she said with a laugh, “We don’t know about it, of course, but if it got them to take the shot, we weren’t going to argue!”

Another major driver was the travel requirement. People needed proof of vaccination to move between Sierra Leone and Guinea, which encouraged many to get their shots. “Our wharf is a gateway,” Gloria explained, “The travel mandate helped protect both nations.”

The vaccine has been a lifeline for the people of Kroo Town and Susan’s Bay. It has saved lives, eased fears, and given these communities a renewed sense of hope. “We’ve all seen how many lives were lost. It’s better to be safe, no matter what,” said Fatmata.   

In a place where health services are scarce, the vaccine represents something more than just protection, it’s a symbol of resilience and solidarity. Thanks to the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, donors, and community leaders, Sierra Leone has emerged from the shadow of the pandemic.

The stories of Kroo Town and Susan’s Bay are proof of the resilience of the people and the power of global partnerships. The vaccines were more than doses; they held the promise to survival and a brighter tomorrow.