In a notable step toward improving adolescent health, Sierra Leone marked International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) 7-13 October 2024 with a series of transformative initiatives addressing the pressing challenges faced by its rapidly growing adolescent population. Anchored by the theme “Thriving, Not Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience,” the week-long activities highlighted the country’s commitment to empowering young people to take control of their health and contribute to national development.

Led by the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Reproductive and Child Health and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), USAID Momentum, and other key partners, IAHW 2024 showcased a collaborative approach to adolescent health. This multi-sectoral initiative provided a platform to address critical issues such as mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence, and substance abuse among adolescents and young people.

WHO's Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition Technical Officer, Dr. Ibrahim F. Kamara, emphasized: “The inaugural commemoration of International Adolescent Health Week in Sierra Leone has increased awareness of health and well-being initiatives for adolescents and young people. We continue to provide this platform to ensure young people remain at the center of planning and implementing interventions that boost their health and well-being.”

The highlight of the week’s celebrations was the Adolescent Health Café, a unique adolescent-led forum that brought together over 65 participants, including adolescents, young people, researchers, program staff, and healthcare workers. The Café gave adolescents and young people the opportunity to openly discuss their health challenges while proposing solutions and building essential skills in advocacy, negotiation, and public speaking.

The event also featured interactive sessions, debates, and quizzes, fostering lively engagement and empowering adolescents with knowledge and skills to address health issues within their communities.

For many participants, the Café was an empowering experience. Fourteen-year-old Kadiatu Sillah from Koinadugu District shared: “This event has shown me that my voice matters, and I can make a difference in my community by speaking up about issues that affect me and my friends.” Her words echoed the sentiment of many participants, who left the event feeling more confident in their ability to advocate for better health services.

Beyond the activities of IAHW, significant strides have been made toward strengthening governance structures for adolescent health. The Adolescents and Young People Technical Working Group (TWG) was established to provide a structured platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration. Additionally, progress continues on drafting the Sierra Leone Accelerated Action for the Health and Wellbeing of Adolescents and Young People 2025-2030, a strategic framework that will guide interventions for improving adolescent health in the years to come.

The theme of "Thriving, Not Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience" was echoed in other key activities held during IAHW, including the National Adolescents and Youth Family Planning Conference and the National Girls Summit. These initiatives underscored the importance of investing in the health and wellbeing of young people, ensuring they are not only protected but given the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment.

The WHO Country Office, which has been instrumental in supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts in adolescent health, emphasized the importance of long-term investment in this area.

WHO will continue to provide technical and financial support to the national school and adolescent health programme to ensure the implementation of proven public health interventions that will positively impact the health and wellbeing of young people across the country.