Campaign to boost youth access to SRH services

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Five African countries have launched a campaign to improve young people's access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

They are Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia.

The aim of the campaign is to enhance government engagement with key stakeholders to address barriers such as age restrictions on accessing SRH services.

Supported by the Hivos SRHR Fund, the campaign builds on existing efforts to ensure more young people receive accurate SRHR information, empowering them to stay safe and reach their full potential.

"The key messages focus on helping young people stay in school, make informed choices, and contribute meaningfully to society," said Dr Roselline Achola, a technical specialist for SRH and self-care at Uganda's health ministry, at a media training in Kampala.

She highlighted the importance of collaboration with the media, religious leaders, cultural leaders, and other stakeholders to disseminate age-appropriate SRH information.

Tatenda Songore, the executive director of Youth Advocates in Zimbabwe, spoke of the need for governments to engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders to eliminate age-related barriers to SRH services.

Speaking in an interview on Sunday (March 23), Kenneth Mwehoge, the executive director of Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development, said teenage pregnancies are a reality and cannot be ignored. 

As such, he called for the need to amend the laws accordingly.

Mwehoge said that as long as someone is sexually active, they should have access to relevant services.

The health experts also raised concerns about the misinterpretation of the age of consent by some health workers, which often denies young people access to critical services.

Achola said Uganda’s constitution guarantees universal health access to all people, regardless of age, economic status, or background. 

She urged health workers to listen to young people rather than judge them.

"When a young person walks into a health facility, it means they are already sensing danger. Health workers must offer those services without discrimination," said Achola.

She also advised young people to value their lives, make informed decisions, and avoid risky behaviours such as drug abuse and unsafe sex. 

Additionally, she urged parents to engage in open conversations with their children to provide the right information about SRH.

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), 24 per cent of girls in Uganda become pregnant before the age of 18.

"We know young girls are getting pregnant, but the question is, how do we help them avoid pregnancy and the risks associated with it?"

If implemented effectively, experts believe this campaign will play a crucial role in reducing teenage pregnancies and ensuring that young people access the information and services they need to safeguard their health.