By Eddah Waithaka
Kenya will host the 8th Pan-African Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR) Conference next month, bringing together policymakers, health experts, and youth advocates to tackle pressing challenges and leverage new opportunities in reproductive healthcare.
At a media breakfast meeting in Nairobi today, Dr. Mohamed Sheikh, Director General of the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), emphasized the urgent need to address Kenya’s youth reproductive health crisis while harnessing the potential of its young population.
Youth at Risk: Unmet Needs and Systemic Gaps
Kenya’s youth—aged 10 to 24—make up 35% of the population, yet many face critical barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
One in five women aged 15 to 49 has an unmet need for family planning, while one in six teenage girls aged 15 to 19 experiences early pregnancy, highlighting significant gaps in reproductive health resources.
“This isn’t just a health issue, it’s a development crisis,” said Dr. Sheikh. “When young people can’t make informed choices, we all lose out, socially, economically, and as a nation.”
Linking Population, Health, and Environment
To combat these challenges, Kenya is adopting an integrated Population, Health, Environment, and Development (PHED) framework.
This strategy connects reproductive health with climate resilience, food security, and economic planning. “We must move beyond siloed solutions,” Dr. Sheikh urged.
“Reproductive health is tied to environmental sustainability and economic growth.”
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Upcoming Conference: A Platform for Action
The 8th Pan-African AYSRHR Conference, co-hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Health and Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK), will take place from June 23-27 in Mombasa.
Key focuses include leveraging digital innovation, such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, and social media, to enhance sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, while also combating misinformation and ensuring the ethical use of technology.
Dr. Edison Omollo, RHNK’s Programs Director, warned of growing threats to youth rights from climate change, political shifts, and anti-rights movements.
“Adolescents in Africa aren’t just the future, they are the now. We need resilient systems to protect their health and rights.”
Denmark Backs Kenya’s SRH Push
Halima Abba Ali Zaid from the Embassy of Denmark highlighted Denmark’s support for over 6,000 health facilities across Kenya’s 47 counties.
“Youth rights must be central to national priorities,” she said.
Dr. Sheikh challenged journalists to break taboos, hold leaders accountable, and elevate youth voices. “The media shapes public opinion, use it to drive change.” “Kenya’s future depends on investing in youth today,” Dr. Sheikh concluded.
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