Mr. victor Rasugu, Executive Director NAYA  during session

Sexual and reproductive health, these are positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships including rights of persons to good health . Cases of HIV, teen pregnancy and unsafe abortion have been been on the rise over the years and have been termed as silent pandemics.
Some individual, cultural and religious beliefs have been identified as divisive issue and barriers in promoting SRH.
Robert Aseda who is the network officer of the youth rights organization Network for Youth Adolescent in Africa (NAYA KENYA), during a sexual and reproductive health education training on the 6th of February, 2024 said that lots of young people lack sexual reproductive health education which endangers their future lives. He continues to say that young youths make choices from their point of capacity or informed version which are not true hence exposing them to health dangers.

Robert Aseda, NAYA networking officer

Speaking to Saumu Hussein from Pwani Youth Network, she strongly believes that youths have a right to information, health and good environment. Lack of information, early marriages, lack of education on contraceptives are some of the reasons that contribute to high cases of unsafe abortion.
“It is important to always identify challenges and their root problems to always come up with working solutions”, she adds.
On the other hand, she also encouraged team work among the community and various stakeholders to help the youth in overcoming sexual and reproductive health issues.

Participants during a small group discussion

The founder and executive director at SEYA Youth Organization, Lucas Robert insisted that it is important for young adults to seek information and obtain skills that will help to make informed decisions to prevent sexual and reproductive ill health including unplanned pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections STIs. He adds that lack of adequate knowledge and skills for protection places young people at a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion.
In conclusion, all youths have a right to enjoy their health including sexual and reproductive health and rights. It is important that the means to protect oneself against sexual or reproductive problems and diseases be available to adolescents hence better knowledge of these subjects among young adults will lead to correct attitudes and responsible reproductive health behavior.

Participants during seesion

written by Tabitha Mokeira Mong’are