UNFPA Challenges Liberia To Confront Teenage Pregnancy Taboos

The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Liberia, Dr. Mady Baiye, has called for stronger efforts to address teenage pregnancy and social taboos surrounding adolescent health as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality in the country.

Dr. Baiye said maternal mortality remains one of Liberia’s most persistent health challenges despite progress in other areas of human development.

Speaking during a discussion on the United Nations’ development priorities, he described the country’s maternal health situation as a serious concern requiring urgent attention.

Dr. Baiye said he recently joined members of the Legislature’s health committee on an assessment of health facilities in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties.

He said the visit exposed concerns about conditions in health facilities and highlighted the need to examine gaps in maternal healthcare across the country.

According to him, the assessment was expected to cover all 15 counties to help identify challenges affecting the delivery of healthcare services.

Dr. Baiye identified preventable medical complications, including emergencies following childbirth and obstructed labor, among the issues that must be addressed to reduce maternal deaths.

However, he also pointed to teenage pregnancy, particularly among very young adolescents, as a major concern in the country’s maternal health situation.

He stressed that addressing maternal mortality requires more than medical interventions, calling for increased public awareness and open discussions about adolescent reproductive health.

“We have to address the taboos,” Dr. Baiye said, challenging the media to help promote informed conversations about adolescent health.

He emphasized that communication efforts should involve adolescents, community leaders and traditional authorities to overcome cultural barriers that may prevent young people from accessing information and support.

Dr. Baiye said empowering adolescents and young people is critical to reducing maternal mortality and improving health outcomes.

During the discussion, another participant stressed that efforts to prevent teenage pregnancy must involve boys as well as girls, noting that responsibility for pregnancy prevention should not rest on girls alone.

The call underscores the need for a comprehensive approach combining improved maternal healthcare, adolescent empowerment, community engagement and shared responsibility in preventing teenage pregnancy.