By Alieu Amara Suwu
In a decisive move to tackle adolescent pregnancy and child marriage in Sierra Leone, Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh on Thursday 20th February 2025 unveiled a five-year national strategic plan at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The initiative aims to curb pressing social challenges and safeguard the future of young girls across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Sengeh underscored the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancy, emphasizing its devastating impact on young lives. He noted that the median age of Sierra Leone’s population is 19, the same age at which most pregnancy-related deaths occur. “Everybody knows these facts. The reality is clear, we must act decisively to change these numbers,” he asserted.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting children, stating that the goal has been embedded in the National Development Plan. He emphasized that human capital development is critical to empowering young people and unlocking their potential. “For our children to reach their full potential, we must eliminate barriers such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy,” he stressed.
The Chief Minister highlighted various government initiatives supporting children’s well-being, including psycho-social support, sexual and reproductive health education, and mental health programs. He emphasized that these efforts align with President Julius Maada Bio’s human capital development agenda.
Dr. Sengeh also called for the involvement of traditional, cultural, and religious leaders in driving social change, stating that a collective action is crucial in safeguarding children’s rights. He pointed the impact of First Lady Fatima Bio’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which has made significant strides in reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative, Alpha Ibrahim Cisse, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to protecting girls in Sierra Leone. He cited alarming statistics, revealing that three out of five girls in the country have experienced sexual harassment. However, he expressed optimism that the new strategic plan would significantly reduce such cases.
Cisse further disclosed that UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with support from Irish Aid, conducted a formative research study on health and nutrition support for adolescent girls. The findings identified teenage girls as one of the most vulnerable groups facing challenges such as early pregnancy and forced marriage.
The launch of this strategic plan marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s fight against adolescent pregnancy and child marriage, reinforcing the government’s dedication to creating a safer and more equitable future for young girls.
