Project Manager of the REACH project, Cynthia Fontenelle says this REACH project is working towards stronger adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, meaningful youth engagement, community awareness and better policy coordination.
Sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents’ in Saint Lucia are expected to be improved following the recent launch of the Reproductive Education and Adolescent Community Health (REACH) Project at the Coco Palm Resort in Rodney Bay. The REACH project is aimed at building supportive community conditions where adolescents will be knowledgeable and feel confident in accessing the health services and advocating for their own health.
Project Manager of the REACH project, Cynthia Fontenelle says this REACH project is working towards stronger adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, meaningful youth engagement, community awareness and better policy coordination. “Through this initiative, we aim to reduce stigma, strengthen communication, empower youth and improve the accessibility and quality of services. By the end of the project, we expect to see more girls and young women accessing sexual and reproductive health clinics, stronger capacity among service providers to respond to sexual and gender based violence and greater engagement of civil society in addressing stigma and supporting healthier communities.”
Director of the REACH project, Heather MacIntosh spoke also highlighted that findings from the baseline study undertaken in 2025 has helped them to determine the reality and direction of adolescent healthcare in Saint Lucia.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George applauded the initiative and expressed pleasure that it will strengthen the capacity of health professionals, planned parenthood associations and civil society organisations to deliver adolescent-friendly health services. “I note that this project supports young persons in advocating for their health while enhancing the ability of service providers to deliver accessible, responsive and adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. I applaud REACH on their principal of ‘everyone wellness’ that it underscores that improving adolescent health, it requires a collaboration between families, communities, health professionals and other key stakeholders. It also affirms that adolescents’ health challenges cannot be addressed by any single group acting alone.”
The REACH Project is funded by Global Affairs Canada, and implemented by Alinea International in collaboration with Caribbean Technical Assistance & Education Centre for Health (C-TECH) and the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States Commission (OECS).
Global Affairs Canada Project Team Leader at the High Commission of Canada, in Barbados, Michele Gibson thanked the Ministry of Health for partnering with the regional and international agencies to make this project possible in Saint Lucia which will bring about better access, education and adolescent-friendly services, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. “While the scope of the project is regional, it’s success depends very much on national leadership, on community ownership and collaboration across all sectors. Stakeholders in Saint Lucia play a central role in this collective effort and its core reaches about investment in adolescents; in their health, in their dignity, in their voices and of course, their futures.”
The REACH project handed over 500 adolescent hygiene kits to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition which will be distributed during the puberty and hygiene program at various primary schools around the island.
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