By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL), on Tuesday, 19 August, 2025 commemorated its 66th anniversary on the theme: “Building a Stronger Response to Quality Sexual Reproductive Health Service for All”, reaffirming its commitment to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services across the country.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Association’s head office on Richard Street in Freetown, the Honorary President of PPASL, Hassan Fuad Kanu, reflected on the organization’s history and its pivotal role in improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone.
He recalled that PPASL was founded in August 1959 through the efforts of Ms. Edith Gates of the Pathfinder Fund and a group of Sierra Leonean pioneers and later became a full member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in 1973.
“Since our establishment, PPASL has stood as a beacon of hope for vulnerable, marginalized and underserved communities across Sierra Leone,” Fuad Kanu said, noting that the Association has endured through decades of social change, health crises and economic challenges.
PPASL currently operates service outlets in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Kailahun and Kabala, with plans to expand to Port Loko and Lunsar. Its services include family planning, infertility management, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, post-abortion care, maternal and child health, safe motherhood services, gender-based violence response and community education on sexual and reproductive health.
The Association, which is volunteer-led, also plays an active role in national technical committees and advocacy platforms, including the Health Sector Steering Group, Family Planning Technical Working Group and the People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health and Advocacy (PARHA).
Highlighting key priorities, Fuad Kanu said PPASL is working to reduce teenage pregnancy, maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence while strengthening community mobilization and policy influence.
He expressed gratitude to partners and donors, including IPPF, Save the Children, UNFPA, Global Fund, Global Affairs Canada, Irish Aid and several others who continue to support the organization’s mission.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we also renew our call for action,” Fuad Kanu stated. “We remain committed to providing inclusive, youth-friendly, rights-based and quality healthcare services for all Sierra Leoneans, especially the underserved.”
The 66th anniversary celebrations also paid tribute to volunteers, whom Fuad Kanu described as the “lifeblood” of the organization.
“Today, as we reflect on our legacy, we honour every volunteer, past and present, who has carried this vision forward,” he said.
Earlier, Augustine Allieu, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL), while delivering the welcome address expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to staff, volunteers and partners whose commitment, he said, has sustained the institution since its establishment in 1959.
“Without your hard work, dedication and continued support, PPASL would not have reached this milestone. This anniversary is a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of all who have contributed to our journey,” Augustine Allieu said.
He underscored the importance of the Association’s role in promoting family planning, maternal and child health and youth empowerment, while reaffirming PPASL’s commitment to providing quality reproductive health services across Sierra Leone.
Rosaline Judy, President of the Youth Action Movement Sierra Leone (YAMSL), commended PPASL for its unwavering support to young people over the years, describing the institution as a “youth-focused organization” that not only provides quality reproductive health services but also empowers young people through leadership and advocacy.
“I am a testament to the opportunities PPASL provides. From my journey with YACAN to PPASL, I have witnessed how the Association has raised the voices of the voiceless and created spaces for young people to thrive. We as young people are ready to drive the agenda forward, ensuring that quality service delivery meets the unmet needs of young people,” she said.
Ms. Judy emphasized that PPASL’s 66th Anniversary marks not just a milestone but a renewed beginning for youth engagement in shaping the future of reproductive health. She rallied her peers under the YAMSL banner to embrace the theme: “Join the Action, Protect the Future.”
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from past presidents of the Association, His worship Bankole Johnson and Joseph Tucker, who commended PPASL for its enduring impact on communities. Both also reflected on the Association’s achievements and the path ahead as it continues to champion reproductive health and rights for all Sierra Leoneans.
PPASL was founded in 1959 and has since been instrumental in expanding access to family planning and reproductive health services nationwide. The 66th Anniversary celebrations highlighted the organization’s legacy and ongoing commitment to shaping healthier families and communities in Sierra Leone.
