Marie Stopes Sierra Leone (MSSL) and Health Alert Sierra Leone (HASiL) have made significant strides in addressing adolescent pregnancy and child marriage in Sierra Leone. Their pivotal participation in the validation meeting for the revised National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Ending Child Marriage on September 5, 2024, marked a key milestone. This involvement is a direct outcome of their collaborative efforts under the Youth4Health project, proudly supported by the European Union.
The meeting convened over 70 stakeholders, including deputy ministers and directors from the Health, Gender Affairs, Social Welfare, and Basic Education sectors, along with representatives from UNFPA and UNICEF. During the statement segment, various representatives highlighted the collaborative efforts. Notably, Mr. Edward Joseph Benya, Director of Program for MSSL, shared that “Marie Stopes has become a household name in Sierra Leone, synonymous with women’s health. Our contributions have significantly enhanced the socio-economic development of young women by empowering them to make informed choices about their reproductive health and live their lives to the fullest potential.”
The contributions of MSSL and HASiL were critical in shaping the revised strategy, demonstrating their commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents. This event not only signifies a significant policy advancement but also highlights the effective and informed approach taken by MSSL and HASiL through the Youth4Health project. With the strategy moving into its implementation phase, there is a strong promise of continued reductions in adolescent pregnancy and child marriage rates, aiming for a healthier, more empowered generation of young women.
The active engagement of MSSL and HASiL in this strategy, driven by the support of the European Union, serves as a beacon of hope and an exemplary model of partnership and advocacy. This ongoing effort is set to foster more transformative changes, ensuring young women in Sierra Leone can lead lives free from the constraints of early pregnancy and marriage, equipped with the rights and resources to shape their own futures.
