The Sierra Leone Social Marketing and Development Agency (SLaDA) has conducted a comprehensive training program for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) on Family Planning, HIV & AIDS Advocacy, and Communication Skills at the Ndeleh Conference Hall Growth Center in Pujehun Town.

Sahr Koadiama, Monitoring & Evaluation and Project Development Coordinator for SLaDA, highlighted the organization’s commitment to behavioral change communication within the health sector. “This training aims to enhance the capacity of CBOs and FBOs, as well as women, girls, adolescents, and youth groups. Our goal is to diversify family planning programs and raise awareness about the myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” Koadiama explained.

SLaDA, a national non-governmental organization, supports government efforts in Sexual Reproductive Health and Family Planning and works to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in communities across Sierra Leone. The training program is part of a broader collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Director of Representative Health and Family Planning and is funded by the West African Health Organization.

Abdulai Jasil Sillah, Executive Director of Youth in Action for Development (YAID-SL) Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude on behalf of the trainees. “We appreciate SLaDA and the donors for this invaluable training,” he said.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve the health and well-being of the youth in the Pujehun District, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate for better family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention measures.