In a significant effort to address the urgent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges in Sierra Leone, the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) hosted a crucial media engagement event on September 13, 2024, at the Sierra Palms Hotel. The gathering aimed to enhance the role of media in advocating for SRH services and policy reforms, bringing together journalists, health experts, and advocates.
APHRC, a leading African research institute headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a regional office in Dakar, Senegal, has been pivotal in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the continent. The event underscored the organization’s ongoing efforts to bolster media engagement as part of its strategy to improve health outcomes in Sierra Leone.
The discussion highlighted severe SRH challenges faced by Sierra Leoneans, particularly women and girls in rural areas. The country grapples with one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, limited access to contraception, and widespread teenage pregnancies, making the SRH crisis an urgent issue.
Researchers from APHRC emphasized the media’s crucial role in addressing these issues by shaping public discourse and applying pressure on policymakers to prioritize SRH services. “Journalists have the power to amplify the voices of those most affected by our healthcare system’s shortcomings,” said Christopher Maero. “The media can illuminate these gaps, making it difficult for decision-makers to ignore the need for comprehensive reproductive health reforms.”
Panel discussions at the event focused on how the media could better highlight the everyday struggles faced by women dealing with SRH issues, especially in areas with scarce healthcare resources and limited information. A significant topic was the lack of media content aimed at young people, who are particularly vulnerable to SRH issues. Panelists noted that teenage pregnancies remain a major problem in Sierra Leone, exacerbated by inadequate sexual education and limited access to family planning resources.
“Too many young people lack understanding about their reproductive health,” said Winnie Opondo. “We need the media to create youth-friendly content that addresses safe sex practices, contraception, and STI prevention.”
The event emphasized the necessity of engaging youth in SRH discussions and the media’s potential role in this effort. Journalists were encouraged to develop stories and programs that resonate with younger audiences, equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Participants acknowledged that investigative journalism, supported by solid research and data, is crucial for highlighting failures in SRH policies and advocating for stronger health systems. APHRC reaffirmed its commitment to assisting journalists in covering SRH issues, announcing plans for additional capacity-building programs to equip reporters with the skills to produce impactful stories on reproductive health.
The APHRC also stressed the importance of evidence-based reporting, offering journalists access to its extensive research on SRH challenges and solutions in Sierra Leone and Africa. By leveraging data, the media can enhance its role in shaping public opinion and driving policy change.
This media engagement event marks a pivotal moment for Sierra Leonean journalists, calling on them to lead the charge in advocating for sexual and reproductive health. With significant SRH challenges facing the country, the media’s power to inform, educate, and drive reform is more crucial than ever. The collaboration between APHRC and the media is expected to spur meaningful progress toward improved accessibility to reproductive health services for all.
