Health system resilience: Addressing mistrust in Sierra Leone

This research briefing outlines methods, findings and recommendations from a study exploring the challenges for health providers delivering maternal and newborn health (MNH) services, and the key behavioural issues affecting women’s health-seeking behaviour during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. It includes recommendations to achieve resilience and increase demand for MNH services in the post-Ebola recovery period. It is based on a rapid assessment conducted between December 2014 and January 2015 by UNFPA, with support from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, UK Department for International Development, Irish Aid, and Options Consultancy Services.