By Ibrahim Sesay
Health Alert Sierra Leone, in partnership with Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, has appealed for stronger domestic resource mobilization to safeguard and build upon the progress achieved through the Youth for Health Project. The call was made during a press briefing held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Health Alert’s newly relocated head office on Blackhall Road in Freetown, where officials shared both accomplishments and ongoing challenges surrounding adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
The Youth for Health Project, which commenced in 2022 with co-funding from the European Union, has been implemented in the districts of Port Loko, Kambia and Western Rural, reaching over 12,000 adolescents with education and services related to family planning and reproductive health. The initiative has prioritized awareness raising, service delivery and youth engagement, all aimed at empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Dalton John, Programme Manager at Health Alert, outlined the project’s key achievements, including the training of more than 20 psychosocial service providers, the establishment of health clubs in 15 schools and the significant contributions made toward preventing unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. He noted that the project met its initial target of reaching 12,000 adolescents, many of whom have gained vital knowledge and access to reproductive health services.
Despite these gains, Dalton John pointed out ongoing obstacles such as inadequate funding, persistent misinformation, limited knowledge about modern contraceptives and the inconsistent availability of family planning products. He described stock outs and misinformation as critical threats to the sustainability of the project’s impact.
Dalton John also revealed that authorities in all three project districts have made commitments to integrate Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) into their respective annual budgets, a move he described as a promising sign of local ownership and long-term sustainability.
Victor L. Koroma, Executive Director of Health Alert Sierra Leone, emphasized the important role played by local organizations and development partners in driving down maternal mortality rates. He noted that the 70 percent reduction in maternal mortality is not to be taken lightly and stressed the need for continued investment in reproductive health services. Victor L. Koroma warned against complacency and dependency on external donor support, urging both national and local stakeholders to prioritize domestic investment to secure the future of youth health.
Sandy Massaquoi, Advocacy and External Relations Manager at Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, encouraged the media to use their platforms to promote sexual and reproductive health and family planning. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health, including key policy reviews and the recent establishment of the Teenage Pregnancy Secretariat, as critical advancements in strengthening national reproductive health systems.
He also expressed concern over the lack of robust engagement from women’s groups regarding the Safe Motherhood Bill, emphasizing that its passage is essential for protecting the health and rights of women across Sierra Leone.
As the Youth for Health Project approaches its conclusion in June 2025, Health Alert Sierra Leone and Marie Stopes Sierra Leone reiterated the need for continuous advocacy, enhanced community engagement and firm Government commitment. They emphasized that maintaining the progress made in adolescent sexual and reproductive health will require sustained funding, coordinated action and a collective determination to prioritize the wellbeing of Sierra Leone’s youth.
