At the 11th African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Family Well-being in Rabat (29 February – 2 March 2024), a panel convened to tackle a critical next step – how to convert Africa's unprecedented political commitments around adolescent health education into tangible improvements in young people's lives.
In West and Central Africa 🌍, only 24% of boys and 22% of girls aged 15-19 have comprehensive knowledge about HIV and AIDS. In addition, young girls are most at risk of contracting HIV. 📢 "It’s high time we speak up. It’s high time we feel free. It’s high time we speak about ourselves!” - Cinthia calls for action to overcome the stigma related to HIV .
The EHW strategy represents an opportunity to build a more cohesive approach to health promotion that strengthens priorities and builds on policies and commitments already in place across member states. The ultimate aim of this is to advance a collective approach that meets the needs of learners and is feasible for delivery through the education sector.
In West and Central Africa 🌍, between 5 & 25% of teenagers have had sex before the age of 15. 📢 "These young people who are already sexually active, we need to make available to them adequate info & services" - Hayathe's call to action to help young people to make informed choices about their health.
📢“J’aimerais que les jeunes garçons comprennent que les jeunes filles ne sont pas si différentes d’eux”. - La résilience de Joyce face aux violences basées sur le genre qu'elle a subies.
📢 "We need to know that our questions, and all our questions, deserve answers" - Yassine warns about the consequences of taboo subjects within communities when it comes to sexual and reproductive health.
In West and Central Africa 🌍, menstrual health is still taboo. In most countries, less than 50% of women have knowledge about their fertile period. 📢 "If I had access to information, I probably would have spoken to her, and she would probably still be alive." - Juliet's powerful story.
In West and Central Africa 🌍, nearly 1 in 10 ♀️ aged 18–29 years old experienced sexual violence by age 18. 📢“If we want to make a change, we need governments to also take action.” - Chindima speaks out to fight against sexual violence.
Learn more about the historic of the West and Central Africa Commitment for educated, healthy and thriving adolescents and young people.
It is crucial to raise awareness on the dangers of female genital mutilation!