Education Saves Lives #WeNeedToKnow

"Education Saves Lives" is a regional communications campaign launched in September 2022 by various health and education stakeholders, including civil society, youth organizations and UN agencies, across the West and Central Africa region.

This large-scale, unifying campaign was an important step in advancing advocacy for educated, healthy and thriving adolescents and young people in the region. Indeed, this is the first time that so many actors have joined forces to raise awareness about the worrying situation that young people face, in particular early and unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence, child marriage and HIV.

Throughout September, the awareness-raising efforts committed by all partners reached 15 million people on social networks, using the hashtags #EducationSavesLives and #WeNeedToKnow.

The campaign will continue to be disseminated on social networks, and a second phase, scheduled for March 2023, will enable young people in the region to share their personal stories and testimonials. Indeed, by raising community awareness about the need for young people to have access to quality information and health services adapted to their needs, they will be better equipped to make informed choices for their future. The continent will then be able to capitalize on its demographic dividend and ensure that young people contribute to the development of their communities, countries and regions.