A review by Dr. Carol Nelson, Board Member
As 2024 comes to a close, Rural Health Care Initiative (RHCI) reflects on a year of transformative growth and steadfast commitment to improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone’s Tikonko Chiefdom. From expanding healthcare services to navigating challenges with resilience, this year showcased the power of collaboration and dedication to our mission.
Progress and Impact in Sierra Leone
Expanding Healthcare Access
RHCI’s programs in Sierra Leone saw significant expansion in 2024, reaching over 26,000 points of impact, double the number from just two years ago. Key initiatives included:
- Newborn Home Visits: Nurses provided critical follow-up care to mothers and newborns, ensuring safe postnatal recovery through the critical first months of life.
- Malaria Prevention and Treatment: We treated over 800 children as part of a Rotary-funded malaria program and launched a groundbreaking malaria vaccine initiative, furthering efforts to combat one of the region’s deadliest diseases.
- Outreach Clinics: Over 10,000 child health visits for malaria and other illnesses took place through the 16 outreach clinics.
- Hospitalizations at referral hospitals: RHCI provided transportation and support for 153 pregnant women and 324 critically ill children
- Community Health Worker Training: Ongoing education empowered these frontline workers to deliver lifesaving care to underserved communities.
- Ultrasound Program Revamp: Led by trained local staff and supported by international radiologists, this program is striving to improved maternal care.
Child being treated at Outreach Clinic
Partnerships Fueling Change
Collaborations with Vitamin Angels and Direct Relief provided essential medical supplies, including prenatal vitamins and midwife kits for 600 deliveries. Through partnerships like these, RHCI continues to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare resources for families in need.
Clean Water Initiatives
Access to clean water is foundational for health. This year, RHCI celebrated the opening of a well at Sunga Primary School, funded by H2O for Life https://www.h2oforlifeschools.org. Plans are underway for a second well in Sami Tabema in 2025.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Despite logistical challenges, including vehicle repairs and banking issues, RHCI’s dedicated staff and partners ensured that programs continued uninterrupted, adapting to obstacles with creativity and determination.
New well at primary school
Making It Happen in the U.S.
Strengthening Fundraising Efforts
Supporters in the U.S. made it possible for RHCI to achieve its ambitious goals. Highlights included:
- A $15,000 grant from Improving Chances a $10,000 grant from the Langeloth Foundation, both vital for advancing our healthcare initiatives.
- A successful Mother’s Day appeal and November’s Give MN campaign, which energized our donor community.
- The Taste of Africa fundraiser, which drew generous contributions to sustain RHCI’s life-changing programs.
- Over $12,000 in medical and baby supplies were donated and shipped to our Sierra Leone operations.
Additionally, RHCI’s collaboration with the Berglund Family Foundation and Rotary provided essential funding for child health, malaria prevention and treatment and maternal care, ensuring continued impact on the ground.
A Community of Generosity
We are deeply grateful for the 222 donors who contributed to RHCI’s mission this past year, including 42 new donors and 21 monthly donors. Your support makes all the difference, helping us reach more families in need and ensuring the sustainability of our programs.
Building Organizational Capacity
RHCI welcomed new board members and strengthened leadership, ensuring the organization’s sustainability. Trips to Sierra Leone helped deepen relationships, enabling better support for our in-country team.
Looking Ahead
In 2024, RHCI reaffirmed its commitment to bringing hope and healthcare to the families of Tikonko Chiefdom. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our staff, board members, and supporters, we are well-positioned to expand our impact in 2025 and beyond.
From all of us at RHCI, thank you for your continued support. Together, we are creating lasting change and transforming lives.
Sierra Leonean Staff