As the Director of the Family Health Division at the Ministry of Health in Liberia, Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis is a passionate advocate for improving access to reproductive health services for young people. In a recent op-ed, she highlighted the importance of addressing the unique needs of adolescents and youth in the quest for universal health coverage and reproductive justice.
Dr. Gorpudolo-Dennis emphasized that while young people make up a significant portion of the population in many developing countries, they often face barriers to accessing essential family planning information and care. Health systems are not always designed with young people in mind, and providers may lack the necessary training to support adolescents without judgment. Additionally, the voices of youth are frequently excluded from decision-making processes.
In Liberia, nearly 13% of the population falls within the 10 to 19 age group, yet access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services remains limited. Teenage pregnancy rates are alarmingly high, particularly among girls, who are disproportionately affected by stigma and barriers to care.
To address these challenges, Dr. Gorpudolo-Dennis called for the development of health systems that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of young people. This includes training health providers to listen to and support adolescents, as well as ensuring confidentiality and non-judgmental care. In Liberia, initiatives such as youth-friendly health corners and menstrual health programs are already making a difference in improving access to services for young people.
Removing legal and social barriers that prevent youth from accessing family planning care is also crucial. Dr. Gorpudolo-Dennis highlighted the importance of eliminating parental consent laws and normalizing conversations about reproductive health within communities. By investing in youth-led advocacy and providing young people with the necessary skills and resources, real progress can be made in expanding access to family planning services.
Dr. Gorpudolo-Dennis emphasized that when young people are empowered to lead, positive change can follow. By prioritizing youth-friendly health services and youth-led advocacy, countries can take a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals. Ultimately, a health system that works for youth is a health system that benefits everyone.
As a respected obstetrician gynecologist and healthcare policy expert, Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis is committed to creating inclusive, rights-based health systems that respond to the needs of young people in Liberia and beyond. Her advocacy and leadership are instrumental in shaping Liberia’s commitments to improving women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health under the Global Leaders Network.
