Concern Worldwide Marks 30 Years of Operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone Amid Aid Challenges

Humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide recently marked 30 years of operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone with events showcasing community-led programs, while also raising concerns over the impact of international aid cuts in the region.

In Liberia, the organization held a harvest and nutrition festival featuring supported food producers, a virtual learning gallery, and announcements of new local government partnerships in agriculture, water, and sanitation. In Sierra Leone, Concern hosted a Sustainable Programming Exhibition on October 13, celebrating three decades of partnership and awarding grants to youth groups for climate-smart projects, including reforestation, flood preparedness, local water purification, and waste management education.

According to the organization, its long-term initiatives in both nations focus on sustainable, community-driven development. These include Community Savings and Loan (CSLA) schemes, which allow members to pool savings, issue loans, and allocate funds toward local development projects. Concern also reported providing training for farmers in climate-smart agricultural techniques, crop storage, and market access, alongside programs aimed at gender equality and local conflict resolution.

Despite these community initiatives, Concern warned that reductions in international aid are threatening progress in both countries. According to the organization, more than half of Liberia's population and 26% of Sierra Leone's population live below the poverty line.

In Liberia, emergency stocks of ready-to-use therapeutic food ran out in September, and child wasting rates have risen from 3% to 8.5%, increasing risks to child mortality. Concern noted that while it is advising communities on producing nutritious food locally, this cannot replace essential therapeutic treatments. In Sierra Leone, the organization highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities in maternal, newborn, and child health, noting that the country continues to experience high maternal mortality rates.

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