Sierra Leone has a populaton of approximately 7 million people. Despite substantal economic growth in recent years, Sierra Leone contnues to experience some of the world’s most challenging health indicators. The country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, an estmated 1,360 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The total estmated number of maternal deaths in 2015 was 3,100, with teenagers accountng for forty percent. Teenage pregnancy is a pervasive problem: Nearly a third (28%) of adolescent girls ages 15-19 are already mothers or pregnant with their frst child. Access to family planning services in Sierra Leone is low and the natonal contraceptve prevalence rate in 2013 was 16%.
This At a Glance coutry office brochure, outlines how UNFPA provides the Government of Sierra Leone and other partners with comprehensive technical support to implement programmes and improve knowledge around sexual and reproductve health, gender equality, populaton issues, and adolescents and youth.
