The Sierra Leone Social Marketing and Development Agency (SLaDA) has successfully conducted an extensive training program aimed at Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in Pujehun Town. This initiative focused on enhancing knowledge and advocacy skills related to Family Planning, HIV & AIDS, and Communication Skills. The training was held at the Ndeleh Conference Hall Growth Center.

Sahr Koadiama, the Monitoring & Evaluation and Project Development Coordinator for SLaDA, underscored the organization's dedication to promoting behavioral change communication within the health sector. "This training is designed to strengthen the capacity of CBOs and FBOs, as well as women, girls, adolescents, and youth groups. Our aim is to diversify family planning programs and dispel myths and misconceptions about family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention, particularly in hard-to-reach communities," Koadiama stated.

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

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

This initiative is expected to significantly improve the health and well-being of the youth in the Pujehun District. By equipping them with essential knowledge and advocacy skills, the program aims to promote better family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention measures in the community.