Freetown, Sierra Leone - October 2025

As part of the commemoration of International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) 2025, the Ministry of Health, through its National School and Adolescent Health Programme, with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Sierra Leone, hosted a one-day symposium on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Substance Abuse Prevention in Freetown on 17 October 2025.

The symposium was part of a series of events marking the global observance, held under the theme: “Thriving Inside and Out: Strengthening Adolescent Physical and Mental Health.”

With 33% of Sierra Leone’s population aged 10–24 years, adolescent health and well-being remain central to national development. Investments in this area yield benefits not only in adolescence but also in adulthood and for future generations. Despite progress, many adolescents face challenges including poverty, mental health issues, substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy, early child marriage, gender-based and intimate partner violence, and limited access to quality SRH services.

The one-day symposium brought together over 60 participants, including adolescents and young people, national programme staff, healthcare workers, researchers, policymakers, educators, and youth leaders. Discussions focused on key issues affecting adolescent health and well-being.

Activities included training sessions on STI prevention, contraceptive use, and harm reduction for substance abuse, as well as panel discussions and quiz competitions. Adolescents aged 10–19 years and young people aged 20–24 years actively participated, both in planning and implementation, reflecting WHO’s commitment to meaningful youth engagement in health programming.

One participant, Philipa Cride-Dole, highlighted the value of adolescent involvement, stating,
"I learnt that adolescents and young people are prepared to be change agents as they join the conversation on issues related to their physical and mental health."

Dr. Sartie Kanneh, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the government’s commitment:
"The Ministry of Health and partners prioritize the health and well-being of adolescents and young people, ensuring healthcare facilities are adolescent-responsive and deliver quality services consistently."

Ahead of the symposium, adolescent-led radio and television discussion programmes were held on 13 October 2025, providing platforms for young people to share experiences, raise awareness, and advocate for stronger adolescent health initiatives nationwide. Engagement activities also extended to schools, continuing discussions on SRH, substance abuse prevention, and the mission of International Adolescent Health Week.

The event also reinforced policy advocacy, as senior government officials and agency heads made commitments to improve adolescent health and well-being in Sierra Leone. Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative, remarked: "Investing in adolescent health yields a triple dividend benefiting them now, in adulthood, and for future generations. WHO remains committed to supporting government efforts to enhance adolescent and young people’s health and well-being in Sierra Leone."

The 2025 International Adolescent Health Week activities created inclusive platforms for dialogue, learning, and empowerment, strengthening adolescents’ capacity to make informed health decisions. This initiative aligns with WHO’s ongoing support to the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure healthcare facilities are adolescent-responsive and provide quality services that meet the unique needs of young people.