By Lincoln G. Peters
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Big Sisters Organization, has climaxed the 2023 National Event in Support of the Global Forum for Adolescents and the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change on Adolescent Health and Well-being.
The event was held under the theme: “Ensuring a Brighter Future for Adolescents in Liberia.”
This event marked a significant milestone in the journey to prioritize and invest in the health and well-being of Liberia’s young population.
The event was held at the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Monrovia. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including 100 adolescents and 20 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in attendance.
It had an indirect target audience of 500 people reached through strategic media engagements, focused on several key objectives.
The forum sought to encourage commitment and action from government institutions and civil society organizations to prioritize and invest in adolescent health and well-being, leading to concrete policy changes and resource allocation.
It was also intended to engineer shifts in national policy, programs, and finance for adolescent well-being.
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Celebrate efforts to date and discuss challenges and actions needed to advance the adolescent well-being agenda.
The forum was meant to amplify the voices of adolescents and youth-led organizations, enabling them to express their needs, concerns, and aspirations, while highlighting their role as advocates and agents.
The outcomes and results of this landmark event were nothing short of exceptional. The following key outcomes were observed:
Government institutions and civil society organizations demonstrated a heightened commitment to prioritize and invest in adolescent health and well-being, resulting in tangible policy changes and increased allocation of resources towards adolescent-focused initiatives.
According to a press release, Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah committed on behalf of the Government of Liberia to improve the health and well-being in Liberia.
The Minister of Health noted that Liberia will employ additional higher advocacy mechanisms to be auctioned to boost the implementation of the commitment.
She said it will adopt higher-level advocacy with senior government officials; and invite international advocates to dialogue with higher-level government officials on the plight of Adolescents and Young People in Liberia, among others.
The Executive Director of Big Sisters organization, Amelia G. Frederick appreciated the Government of Liberia for its efforts to improve the health and well-being of adolescents in Liberia.
Additionally, the Deputy Representative of UNFPA, Leonard Kamugisha mentioned that investing in adolescent health and well-being is not just the right thing to do but it is a smart thing to do.
