Africa's future is young!
International Youth Day 2024
A new study by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development shows the challenges young people in Africa face when it comes to realising their sexual and reproductive self-determination.
Africa has the world’s largest youth population, with 60% under the age of 25. Despite this, young people face significant challenges in sexual and reproductive health, including widespread child marriage, early pregnancies, and a growing number of HIV cases.A study by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development highlights key issues affecting African youth, such as inadequate sex education, LGBTQI+ rights, contraceptive access, and youth-friendly health services.
The study, based on interviews with youth activists in Nigeria, Zambia and Tanzania, reveals critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health education. Many young Africans lack proper sex education, which is essential for making informed decisions about sex, relationships, and family planning.
Moreover, healthcare facilities in these countries often fail to provide youth-friendly, confidential, and respectful care. According to Colette Rose, the study’s author, young people should be involved in designing and implementing health services to ensure they meet their needs.
Healthcare access is particularly challenging for youth with disabilities, HIV, or those who are LGBTQI+. Discrimination in healthcare settings is common, and young people often face additional barriers such as a lack of accessible information and facilities. This discrimination can lead to untreated sexually transmitted infections and other health issues, as young people may avoid seeking care due to disrespectful treatment.
Poverty further exacerbates these challenges. Many young people cannot afford necessities like condoms or transportation to clinics. For some, particularly single mothers without a degree, sex work becomes the only way to survive. As Kristin Neufeld, the study's co-author, points out, youth must achieve financial independence to lead self-determined lives. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health projects are more effective when they also address economic empowerment.
The study also notes that while there are many initiatives aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health for African youth, not all are effective. Successful projects often involve youth in their development and implementation. However, these youth-led initiatives often struggle with insufficient and unsustainable funding, despite their promising results. Funders and project implementers must prioritize the inclusion of marginalized youth and ensure their participation at all levels to create impactful and lasting change.