Status report adolescents and young people in sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities and challenges
Nearly half of the world's population, some 3 billion people, is under the age of 25.
Nearly half of the world's population, some 3 billion people, is under the age of 25.
The past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in awareness about early and forced marriage of girls as a widespread violation of human rights. In short, early and forced marriage exacerbate gender inequality and the likelihood of poor outcomes throughout life.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive human rights issue with public health consequences.
The study provides information on key reproductive and sexual health indicators in young women and men age 15-24 in 38 developing countries. The data come from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and AIDS Indicator Surveys (AIS) conducted between 2001 and 2005.
Linking sexual and reproductive health and HIV recognizes the vital role that sexuality plays in people's lives, and the importance of empowering people to make informed choices about their lives, love and intimacy.
The six components of this programme are : Safe motherhood; family planning; adolescent/youth sexual and reprodctive health; reproductive tract infections including
STIs/HIV/AIDS/PMTCT; gender issues; reproductive morbidity.
In Cameroon, a girl's Auntie used to be her most trusted confidante, teacher and counsellor on sexual matters. In 2001, GTZ launched the Aunties Programme which borrows from this tradition.
Promoting abstinence is an important strategy that can help delay sexual activity, but complementary messages are needed for those who are sexually active.
AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies have reached critical levels in sub-Saharan Africa, creating a need for innovative prevention programs for vulnerable groups.
The report highlights the need to continue efforts to create broad-based support for reproductive health programs, improve coordination among stakeholders, strengthen NGOs so that they can effectively participate in the policy process, and enhance the financial sustainability of programs.