Sierra Leone

The explosion took place after a bus struck the tanker near the country's capital city. Dozens were injured after large crowds gathered to collect leaking fuel, officials and witnesses said.

"Our beach is a God-given thing," exclaims one Sierra Leonean. "We have to make use of it!" That means walking, working out ... and lots of soccer in the sand.

Sierra Leone's education minister and MIT graduate David Moinina Sengeh is shooting for the moon when it comes to his country's future, from schools to health-care to ... space travel.

The challenge of refrigerating COVID-19 vaccines is acute in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 28% of health care facilities have reliable power. One solution? A new kind of freezer powered by the sun.

As COVID surges, so does demand for oxygen. And oxygen manufacturing plants simply can't keep up. That's bad news not only for severely ill COVID-19 patients but others in need, including newborns.

His father left with their savings, and the mother isn't able to work. A new report points to an increase in child labor, with millions of kids working. And COVID has likely made matters worse.

Early this year, the president declared an emergency to address the issue of sexual assault — then ended it some months later without explanation. Activists are not happy but are still hopeful.

The researchers looked at responses of 1,709 people in three countries that have undergone prolonged, brutal conflict. The findings hold encouraging news — and a cautionary note.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the first female mayor in Freetown in years, is trying to clean up the perpetual mess caused by rain and garbage — a first step in her plan to revive the beleaguered city.

As Sierra Leone's first national ambulance service revs up, there are a few bumps in the road.