In West and Central Africa 🌍, early and unintended pregnancies = major cause of school dropout. 📢"Education starts from the youngest age. If it's taboo at home, it's the school that must offer answers." - Today, Marie helps adolescent girls from her community access the health information and services they need.
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.