Sierra Leone Country Capacity Assessment

The purpose of Assistive Technology Scoping Assessment in Sierra Leone was to evaluate and monitor country’s capacity to procure and provide Assistive Technology that appropriately meet the population’s needs. Our methodology was characterized by a participatory, consultative, inclusive and transparent processes; with clear time-bound objectives and provided an opportunity to reflect on the applicability of evidence in different contexts and promoting dialogue among several types of stakeholders. WHO ATA-C instrument was customized for the purpose. 

As per Population and Household Census 2015, the disease or illness is the major cause of disability among the country’s disabled population, accounting for 40.5% cases of 93,129 people with disability in the country. The percentage of disabled people in Sierra Leone, has been hit by a bloody long civil war in 2002; a major contributor for significant rise in disabled strata, deadly Ebola Scourge in 2014, a devastating mudslide in 2016 and weak health system starving from the 
resources and technical capacities. 

Lack of resources, poor health system and in-conducive environment for disabled can be attributed to poor socioeconomic conditions of disabled in the country can be attributed to significant gap exists between demand and supply of AT services in the country. Except for Population and House Census (PHC), the country doesn’t have any other reliable source of information to enumerate type of disabilities, causes, level of functionality and deformity and AT users.

Find out more in the full report...