By Precious D. Freeman
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Government, have officially launched a landmark five-year joint programme designed to uplift and empower 107,000 adolescent girls across Liberia.
Funded by a generous US$7 million grant from the Government of Ireland, the initiative aims to address pressing issues such as teenage pregnancy, malnutrition, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Running from November 2024 to December 2029, the programme will be implemented in Montserrado, Grand Gedeh, and River Cess counties.
It will provide inclusive and safe spaces where adolescent girls—particularly those who are most marginalized—can access SRHR and nutrition services, develop leadership skills, and thrive in environments free from discrimination.
Speaking at the launch, Madam Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia, issued a passionate call for collective action: “Let us build a future where every adolescent girl is safe, confident, informed, and equipped to lead.”
Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to gender equality and adolescent health.
“We are investing in the futures of Liberian girls by tackling systemic barriers like child marriage, malnutrition, and limited access to SRHR.”
The programme’s strategic approach is anchored on two core pillars which includes Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), this component focuses on enhancing adolescent-responsive health services through schools, clinics, and community outreach.
It tackles adolescent pregnancy prevention, STI management, safe motherhood, prevention of sexual abuse, menstrual hygiene, and comprehensive sexuality education.
Food Security and Nutrition – It aims to expand access to both facility- and community-based nutrition services, with special attention on anemia reduction and improved nutrition tracking through national data systems.
A cross-cutting theme of girl leadership and participation will empower adolescent girls to influence decision-making and lead efforts within their communities.
The programme will also engage men and boys to challenge social norms that uphold gender inequality.
The initiative builds on existing UNFPA and UNICEF projects in the targeted counties and aligns with Liberia’s national development priorities, including the National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Plan (2024–2028) and the RMNCAH & N Policy (2024–2031).
It also contributes to Pillar 6 of the Liberia National Development Plan (2024–2029), which emphasizes human capital development.
Liberia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, emphasized the urgency of the issue: “With a teenage pregnancy rate at 30%, this programme is an investment in the health and wellbeing of our girls. The Ministry stands ready to support its goals.”
UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Andy Brooks also spotlighted the need to combat anemia to prevent risky pregnancies and stunting in children.
Representing adolescent girls, Christiana Queyou, president of the Adolescent Girls Advisory Panel, delivered a stirring message stating: “Adolescence is a storm of change and silent battles. Should a girl drop out of school due to menstruation? No! We helped design this programme, and we are proud to be part of the solution.”
The programme will be overseen by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee, including five Liberian ministries, UN agencies (UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, UNWOMEN, WFP, FAO), and adolescent girl representatives.
Direct Reach: 107,501 adolescent girls (ages 10–19), Indirect Reach: Over 400,000 community members, Focus Areas: SRHR, nutrition, girl leadership, and gender equality, Target Outcomes by 2029: Stronger adolescent health and nutrition systems, Greater access to quality, girl-friendly services, Enhanced girl agency and leadership.
With powerful partnerships and an ambitious agenda, this programme marks a transformative step toward a Liberia where every girl can live healthy, empowered, and fulfilled.
UN, Liberia Launch Program To Empower Adolescent Girls
