We work to improve the health, growth and development of children across the country by supporting healthcare professionals, empowering communities and strengthening paediatric systems of care. The Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL) is a national professional body of healthcare practitioners dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of children across Sierra Leone. Through advocacy, research, education, and community engagement, PASL works to strengthen paediatric care, promote child health awareness, and support the professional development of those involved in child healthcare services.
The Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL)
- PASL aims and objectives is to improve child health in Sierra Leone through quality care, research, training, and strong partnerships.
- Our core vale is guided by excellence in paediatric care and integrity in all its actions and collaboration.
- Our mission is to promote the optimal health, growth, and development of all children in Sierra Leone through advocacy and clinical excellence.
- Our vision is to ensure that every child in Sierra Leone has access to safe, equitable, and high-quality healthcare so they can reach their full potential.
What We Do
Advocacy
We advocate for child-friendly policies, improved health systems, and increased investment in paediatric services.
Training & Capacity Building
We strengthen the paediatric workforce through workshops, seminars, professional development, and collaboration with national and international partners.
Child Health Education & Promotion
We support awareness campaigns and caregiver education to promote healthy practices, disease prevention, and early childhood development.
Research & Quality Improvement
We contribute to evidence-based practice through audits, data analysis, and research that helps shape national healthcare policy.
Policy Development & National Support
PASL contributes expert paediatric guidance to national health policies, clinical protocols, and strategic plans. Providing expert input to national guidelines, protocols, and health reforms.
Professional Networking & Membership Support
PASL provides a platform for paediatricians, doctors, nurses, and child-health professionals to connect, share expertise, and grow professionally. Connecting paediatric professionals and supporting their ongoing growth.
History of the Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL)
The Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL) began its journey in 2014, when a group of committed child-health professionals formed an interim executive to establish a national body dedicated to paediatrics. This early team worked together to draft the initial constitution and lay the foundation for a future association.
However, as the registration and launch preparations progressed, the Ebola outbreak struck Sierra Leone. The crisis brought significant challenges, delaying the formal establishment of PASL. Tragically, two members of the interim executive passed away during the epidemic, and others relocated outside the country. Despite this setback, the vision for a unified paediatric association remained alive.
A decade later, renewed discussions led to the revitalisation of the organisation. In 2024, the draft constitution was formally adopted, and the Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone was officially inaugurated. Since then, PASL has grown into a recognised professional body supporting paediatric care, advocacy, education, and research across the country.
From its origins as a small group of dedicated clinicians, PASL has evolved into a national platform that strengthens paediatric practice, contributes to national health policies, supports capacity building, and engages with communities to improve child health outcomes. Today, PASL continues to expand its membership, partnerships, and programmes, driven by its commitment to ensuring every child in Sierra Leone has the opportunity to grow up healthy and supported.
Child Health in Sierra Leone
Child health in Sierra Leone continues to be shaped by a combination of social, economic, and health-system challenges. While progress has been made in reducing preventable childhood illnesses and improving access to essential services, many children still face significant health risks from conditions such as malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, malnutrition, and newborn complications.
Limited healthcare infrastructure, shortages of trained paediatric professionals, and barriers to timely care contribute to these challenges. Many families also lack access to accurate health information, making prevention and early treatment more difficult.
Despite these obstacles, Sierra Leone has made important strides in vaccination coverage, newborn care, health education, and community outreach. With continued investment, stronger policies, and effective collaboration between government, partners, and healthcare providers, child health outcomes can continue to improve.
PASL remains committed to supporting this progress by strengthening paediatric care, advocating for child-friendly policies, training healthcare workers, and promoting evidence-based approaches that help every child grow up healthy, safe, and supported.