Sierra Leone is prone to natural disasters and disease. The deadly outbreak of Ebola in 2014 weakened the country's health system and devastated the lives and livelihoods of many. Torrential rainfalls can also cause widespread displacement. In these kinds of crises, women, adolescent girls and children face heightened risks of experiencing health problems and violence because they are often left to care for the sick and must travel long distances to find basic resources and shelter. UNFPA has been working to increase the country's preparedness in the event of such emergencies, has helped to strengthen facilities to provide sexual and reproductive health services and has helped to establish mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.