Deputy Health Minister Launches Landmark Policies to Tackle Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage
The Deputy Ministry of Health and Sanitation has officially launched two significant national policy documents during a high-level ceremony held at Kenema City Hall.
Presiding over the event was Deputy Minister I of Health and Sanitation, Professor Charles Senesie, who unveiled the Formative Research Report on Adolescent Health, Nutrition, and Support Systems, along with the National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and Ending Child Marriage (2025–2030).
The launch was coordinated by the National Secretariat for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and the Directorate of Policy, Planning, and Information, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, and Irish Aid. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and international development partners.
In his keynote remarks, Professor Senesie described the two documents as vital tools for addressing persistent challenges faced by adolescent girls in Sierra Leone. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to fostering safe, supportive environments for youth development and commended the collaborative efforts behind the strategy.
The strategy sets a clear target: to significantly reduce teenage pregnancy and eliminate child marriage by 2030. It underscores the importance of multi-sectoral coordination, evidence-based planning, and community-driven approaches to tackling the root causes of adolescent health vulnerabilities.
Among the attendees were representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Interreligious Council, and local government officials from the eastern districts of Kailahun, Kono, and Kenema—collectively referred to as the “Three KAYs,” known for their high rates of adolescent health challenges.
Leave a Reply