WRITTEN ON APRIL 2, 2024
Youth organizations, governmental and non governmental organizations assembled at the Tononoka Grounds, Mombasa County on the 28th of March for the launching of Adolescent and Young People Strategy on Health (AYP Strategy 2024-2029). A document by the youth and for the youth to advocate and lobby the burden of health on the wellness of adolescent and young people.
Young people matching to tononoka ground for the launch
The AYP strategy is however a constitution for the youth targeting ages from 10-24years this is because it is believed that at this age, adolescents go through significant physical, intellectual and psychosocial changes as they move into adulthood hence an important time for promoting health and preventing diseases which is sometimes overlooked. The strategy also focuses on these key areas; Gender Based Violence adolescent health and mental health programs since youths are the preys of such affairs in the community unwillingly exposing them to drugs, mental health issues including disorders, depression, stress and anxiety often as a result of early and unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS among others.
Cellina Githenji who is a county coordinator, Mombasa County
This strategy is also a guide to help organization’s programs align with the act of policy programs to meet the needs of young people at the community level, this means that the document provides age appropriate information which is also referred to as comprehensive education by health professionals. Cellina Githenji who is a county coordinator, Mombasa County speaks of technology as a challenge since a lot of information is out there some of which are based on fictions and assumptions and calls for the need to assemble youths for the right data, this she says will make it easy for the transitioning phase from youths to adults enhancing productivity and independence in the community.
Health worker, Kennedy Mucheni in the gender rights department Changamwe stresses out how beneficial this strategy is for young people.
“Through this strategy youths will be empowered and able to access all health information, a youth friendly service that is easily available ensuring them of good health hence promoting the country’s economy. This document will help monitor the youth’s decisions on their well being which will assist in curbing irresponsible cases of drug abuse, early pregnancy and other epidemics.”
During the reborn cutting moment
Young people are the nation’s greatest asset and the future work force therefore investing in their healthcare and including them in education and training by health professionals is not a wasted effort. Adolescent and young people need information including age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education to grow and develop in good health, this in another way will also reduce the risk of injury, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, mental health issues and poor communication.
Youths are advised to actively participate and understand the content of the document to ensure that their health life is safe guided.
