
Understanding Challenges in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents and Youth
Explore the challenges faced by adolescents and youth in accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, including individual, social, and health system factors. Gain insights into the perspectives of young people and healthcare facilities in addressing these obstacles and improving services for this vulnerable population.
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Presentation Transcript
WHY ADOLESCENTS AND YOUTH? Close to half of population is under 25 years of age Mortality and morbidity 10 24-year-olds in South Africa is driven by injuries, violence, HIV/AIDS and TB Mental health issues account for a growing burden of morbidity Adolescents woman aged 15 19 years are less likely to have access to contraception, more likely to have an unintended pregnancy, and less likely to access HIV testing and treatment than adult women Early exposure to STI s and unintended pregnancies contributes to morbidity of this age group; and affects school completion, employment and the health of the next generation
WHY ADOLESCENTS AND YOUTH? Adolescent girls and young women are one of the most vulnerable groups to HIV infection. Approx. 2 000 young women between the ages of 15 and 25 are infected with the virus every week Adolescent mothers and their children have worse health outcomes, worse retention in HIV treatment after giving birth, and higher rates of HIV transmission to their children The benefits of investing in adolescence has the potential to improve the health of adolescents themselves, their future health as adults, and the health, well-being and development of their children.
What are the challenges re: SRH services? What are the challenges re: SRH services? Young People s Perspective: Young People s Perspective: - Individual factors Individual factors eg: young people s lack of knowledge about RHS, poor attitudes of adolescents towards RHS, fear to discuss their sexual health problems with anyone; - Social factors Social factors eg: parental influence, community and religious norms, financial constraints, stigma, embarrassment using the service with other members of their community who may know them, - Health system factors Health system factors eg: HCW s judgemental attitudes towards adolescent s accessing RHS, poor quality of care, inconvenient opening hours, fragmented services, lack patient confidentiality Healthcare Facility Perspective: Healthcare Facility Perspective: - Lack training support AYFS - Lack of allocated space for Youth Zone - Lack IEC material
Ideal Clinic Ideal Clinic Elements 44, 48 & 52 Elements 44, 48 & 52 Availability of National Policy for Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services Posters promoting AYFS in reception, waiting areas, community (Annex. 21) Include AYFS training all healthcare professionals on staff development plan In-service training healthcare professionals providing AYFS A representative of adolescent and youth sector (16-24 years) on clinic committee Profile for adolescent and youth in catchment area is completed which includes their challenges (Annex. 22) Verify that AYFS are being provided (Annex. 23) Provision of dedicated time for consulting school learners referred from school health in the afternoons as per the AYHP (Youth Zone)
Implementation of Youth Zone Dedicated time set aside for young people (min once a week) Dedicated space set aside Services provided must include the package of care available at clinics with a specific focus on sexual & reproductive health (SRH) and HIV-related services Services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner, with respect for the young person s privacy and confidentiality Young people need to be encouraged and supported to make informed decisions and to take responsibility for their health
Thank You Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions: info@chiva-Africa.org +27 (0) 83 500 7222