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The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) marked its 40th anniversary in Sierra Leone by launching a new five-year strategic plan aimed at improving the lives of children across the country.
The plan, unveiled during a celebration under the theme “For Every Child, A Promise Renewed,” focuses on key areas such as child protection, education, health, and social welfare.
Since its establishment in Sierra Leone in 1985, UNICEF has worked alongside the government and other partners to address the needs of vulnerable children.
The agency’s initial presence in the country coincided with a rise in child abuse cases, and since then, UNICEF has been involved in providing health services, building schools, and offering psychosocial support for children and their families. The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and outline future goals.
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Sierra Leone, Liv Elin Indreiten, highlighted the importance of collaboration in the agency’s work. “It’s an honour to reflect on UNICEF’s journey in Sierra Leone, a journey defined by partnership, resilience, and a shared commitment to the rights and well-being of every child,” she said.
The 2025–2030 Country Programme, which forms the core of UNICEF’s strategy for Sierra Leone, sets out five key focus areas:
1. Ensuring every child survives and thrives
2. Enabling every child to learn and acquire skills for the future
3. Protecting every child from violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and harmful practices
4. Providing safe and equitable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services
5. Promoting a sustainable environment and guaranteeing inclusive social protection for all children, especially adolescents, to live free of poverty.
In the health sector, UNICEF has helped improve access to essential services, including vaccination campaigns and the expansion of primary healthcare. The agency has also responded to emergencies such as the Ebola outbreak, COVID-19, and the ongoing Mpox crisis. Indreiten pointed out that these efforts have been crucial in ensuring that children and families receive the care they need during crises.
In education, UNICEF has played a central role in rebuilding schools after Sierra Leone’s civil conflict, expanding access to education, and ensuring that children in remote areas or those with disabilities are not left behind. “Even during crises, schools were reopened, and teachers were supported to ensure effective learning,” Indreiten said.
Child protection notably remains a top priority. A 2017 study found that 87% of children in Sierra Leone had experienced some form of violence. While UNICEF’s Representative, Rudolf Schwenk, confirmed that updated figures will be included in the ongoing Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, he emphasized that the agency’s focus on child protection continues.
“UNICEF has supported the demobilisation and reintegration of children affected by conflict, strengthened child protection systems, and provided psychosocial support to children who have experienced violence, separation, or loss,” Indreiten said.
UNICEF has also supported legal reforms, including the Child Rights Act of 2007, which has now been updated and ratified as the Child Rights Act of 2025. These legal advances represent significant progress in ensuring children’s rights are protected in Sierra Leone.
Despite these accomplishments, challenges remain. Schwenk acknowledged that vulnerable children, particularly those in remote communities, continue to face significant obstacles. “While much has been achieved, there is still work to be done to ensure that all children have access to the services and opportunities they deserve,” he said.
Looking ahead, Indreiten emphasized UNICEF’s commitment to continuing its long-standing partnerships with the Sierra Leonean government and development partners. “We will continue advancing innovation, strengthening national systems, and creating sustainable opportunities for every child,” she said.
