Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s poorest Sexual and Reproductive Health outcomes (1).
- Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest burden of adolescent HIV globally, with adolescent girls and women aged 15–24 disproportionally affected, accounting for 77% of new infections in 2022 (2).
- The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy, unsafe abortion, child marriage and sexual and gender-based violence including female genital mutilation (FGM) is also higher in SSA compared to anywhere else in the world.
- Teenage mothers aged 15–19 are more likely to die in pregnancy than mothers aged 20–24, with neonatal complications and even death 50% more likely among adolescents (3).
- HIV and pregnancy-related complications are the leading causes of death among adolescents in East Africa (4).
77% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa are among women aged 15-24
Stillbirths and newborn deaths are 50% higher among infants of adolescent mothers than among infants of women aged 20-29 years
How do our programmes support young people to realise their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights?
Our local partners are best placed to advise on ways to tackle barriers to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR), which means we work at three different levels: individual, family and community, and through service delivery.
At individual level, we ensure girls are informed about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, contraception methods, and improve their ability to make decisions that affect their bodies and health in male-dominated cultures.
At family and community level, we improve the knowledge and attitudes of family and community leaders on ASRHR. We also support parents, teachers and community leaders to create an enabling environment to provide information to adolescents on ASRHR.
At health service delivery level, we train health service providers and enhance their skills, so they do not stigmatise, judge, disregard confidentiality or completely refuse to provide specific services.
By prioritising the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of girls in East Africa, we support their development into healthy, empowered adolescents who contribute to their communities and economies. Not only a moral imperative but a critical investment into the region’s future.
Six of our local partners already incorporate Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights projects into their wider health programmes. We plan to continue to expand our reach in this are of work to make long-lasting changes in the communities we partner with.
Adolescent girls and young mothers participating in a dialogue organised by RICE-West Nile