Health

DFID is working with the World Bank and other partners on a major new programme to increase access to quality sexual, reproductive and child health services through strengthening the Sierra Leone health system

Education

The Government's decision to offer free primary education has led to reports of primary school enrolment doubling between 2002 and 2005.

The Government of Sierra  Leone has developed a 10-year education plan which DFID stands ready to support with other donors. This has been endorsed by the Education for All Fast Track Initiative.

Water and Sanitation

DFID has worked with UNICEF to design a nationwide water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme (£32m).

DFID is also working with the World Bank to support Emergency rehabilitation and improve planning capacity for the water supply in Freetown (£5m).

Private Sector Development

DFID has committed £15m to Private Sector Development in Sierra Leone. This includes:

• support the government as it removes administrative barriers to investment
• the development of a national private sector development strategy
• working to make the minerals sector more transparent and accounatble
• working with the dispora to encourage skills transfers back to Sierra Leone
• support the country to improve imports, exorts and inward investment, and
• funding business advisory services for new and expanding businesses.

Acess to energy is vital for doing business and therefore for growth. DFID alongside partners such as Italy and the African Development Bank have been in discussion with the new Government on how to best restore electricity supplies. DFID has announced a new £20m 5-year energy programme of which £5m has helped fund the completion of the Bumbuna hydroelectric scheme that will provide electricity to Freetown.