advocacy behavior change programmes (discussed previously in this report). In
order to support the roll out of adolescent-appropriate services, the MoHS prepared
the National Standards for Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Services, 2011 as
“a tool to accelerate the implementation of the adolescent health strategic plan” for
quality health service provision.
331.
Socio-cultural norms and traditional beliefs and practices which inform harmful
gendered behaviors and engender a culture of silence around issues of sexuality
present a significant challenge to addressing adolescent health issues in Sierra
Leone. In an effort to address these underlying causes, the MoHS has, together
with partners such as UNFPA and others, galvanized support from traditional and
religious leaders to engage communities in family planning and women’s health
issues (Shepherd, 2013).
332.
Within the context of HIV and AIDS and teenage pregnancy, the GoSL will continue
to increase awareness among teenage boys and girls on the merits of condom usage,
birth control, family planning and, above all, endeavor to provide quality education.
333.
With reference to substance abuse, the GoSL enacted the National Drugs Control
Act, 2008, to control and prevent abuse of narcotic drugs and related issues as noted
earlier. The establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency coupled
with attendant ongoing awareness-raising and sensitization campaigns on drugs
and substance abuse are aimed at, inter alia, addressing problems of adolescent
substance abuse and related health issues.
7.2.6 Water and sanitation
334.
Access to adequate water and sanitation is key to the prevention of diseases and
malnutrition amongst children.
335.
The GoSL has taken a number of steps to improve access to water and sanitation
for children and their families in Sierra Leone. Through targeted infrastructure
development, there has been considerable increase in access to clean water. In 2010,
57 percent of people used improved water sources compared to 47 percent in 2005.
336.
The GoSL, through Ministry of Water Resources and its implementing partners,
is targeting the rehabilitation of non-functional hand pumps to increase access to
improved water sources. Of the 28,000 water points in the country, 40% are nonfunctional.
337.
The Government recently made a bold commitment to “Sanitation For All” at a
high level meeting in Washington DC and comparable commitments to increasing
its budgetary allocation to the WASH sector from 0.01 to 1 percent of GDP by 2015.
In addition, it has committed to strengthening the enabling legal and institutional
environment, notably through the establishment of sanitation-specific directorate
within Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS).
338.
Currently, the MoHS has a dedicated health and sanitation unit which focuses on
interventions, under the community-led total sanitation (CLTS) project, to prevent
water-borne diseases as well as promote water and sanitation safety and sensitisation.
7. Health and Welfare
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