Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue with multiple causes and diverse consequences, which requires a large spectrum of interventions. It appears that it cannot be addressed independently from other adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRHR) questions and from economic and social issues.

Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue with multiple causes and diverse consequences, which requires a large spectrum of interventions.

To better respond to the overall needs of young people and to address specific issues related to teenage pregnancy the Government already took the lead through the development of appropriate policies. These are being operationalized through existing inter-ministerial structures, which include the Multisectoral Programme to address Adolescents’ and Young People’s sexual and Reproductive Health. In 2012, Five Ministers signed up their commitment to work closely together in implementing the multisectoral program on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people. Within this framework, His Excellency, the President of Sierra Leone prioritized teenage pregnancy as central, requiring a clear strategy to reduce the high incidence of teenage pregnancies in the country.

In light of the high priority given to this strategy by His Excellency the President, as well as of the large spectrum and heterogeneity of partners involved in its implementation, strong coordination mechanisms are required. While the coordination mechanisms already endorsed by the Five Ministries would continue to be used, there was need to create a secretariat, located within the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, to coordinate the implementation of the strategy and ensure timely reporting. Bi-annual meetings will be held at State House to inform the President of the Strategy’s progress, especially as the National Strategy has been identified as a flagship program in the Agenda for Prosperity and against which the Government will report positive results.