Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini (seated fourth from left), poses for a group photo with other stakeholders at the Regional Engagement
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services for adolescents and young people across East and Southern Africa requires collaborations of all key stakeholders, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini has said.
Deputy Minister Kwidini said working together will help break the barriers which continue to hinder adolescents and young people’s access to SRHR services.
He was speaking in Harare on Wednesday during the official opening of the three-day Regional Engagement on Adolescent SRHR Access, running under the theme “Collaborating for equitable SRHR in East and Southern Africa.”
The regional engagement which was organised by Youth Advocates, Hivos and Restless Development Zimbabwe, is being attended by various stakeholders from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and Uganda.
According to Plan International, SRHR services are whereby “ they (young people) may require information on and access to modern contraception, menstruation, HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infection), testing and treatment, gynaecology, pregnancy testing and services, safe abortion, counselling, gender based violence and harmful practices counselling and referral among others.”
Deputy Minister Kwidini said: “over the next three days, we will foster collaboration among key stakeholders, share best practices, and develop actionable strategies to dismantle these barriers.
“The core aim of our gathering is to create a comprehensive regional action plan.
“This road map outlines clear strategies and timelines to improve access to SRHR services for adolescents and young people.
“This plan mustn’t be just an administrative task but a collaborative effort that includes the voices and needs of our young population.
“The deliberations will ensure that we mould one voice with which we will stand in solidarity.”
He added that it was crucial to collectively share the same vision and create a future where every adolescent is empowered, informed and able to access the SRHR services they need without fear or barriers, ensuring they live fulfilling lives.
“Our agenda is robust, exciting, and change-oriented.
“We will review previously established advocacy goals and align them with the voices and needs of our young population.
“Together, we can create a future where every adolescent has the opportunity to thrive, make informed choices, and access the sexual and reproductive health services they deserve.
“Your role in this mission is invaluable,” he added.
Deputy Minister Kwidini, also revealed that the meeting will see campaign strategies being refined.
“With the support of Hivos through the Regional SRHR Fund and our other partners, we will identify our target audiences and craft tailored messages that resonate with the diverse communities we serve.
“Your active participation in these campaigns is crucial. It is essential that our campaigns not only raise awareness but also inspire action and foster a sense of ownership among young people regarding their sexual and reproductive health rights.
“As we engage in discussions and workshops over these three days, please bring your passion, insights, and experiences.
“Let us challenge each other to think creatively and critically about the solutions we can implement.
“We are gathered here to address a matter of utmost importance—improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services for our adolescents and young people across East and Southern Africa, as well as bring to light the detrimental effect it has on the livelihoods of these adolescents and young people.
“It is no secret that the path to accessing adequate SRHR services for adolescents is littered with obstacles—both systemic and societal.
“These barriers not only hinder access but also jeopardise the health and well-being of our youth, denying them their right to make informed choices about their bodies and lives.
“The urgency of dealing with the cause rather than the effect is also pivotal and cannot be overstated.
“The perspectives of young people mustn’t be just included but amplified, as they are the ones most affected by these policies and practices,” he said.
The Deputy Minister further stated that focus will be on establishing and expanding advocacy networks across our shared regions.
“These networks will unite youth organisations, countries, healthcare providers, legal experts, and policymakers to share resources, strategies, and best practices. Healthcare providers, in particular, play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of SRHR services.
“Together, we can champion policy changes that enhance access to SRH services.”
Limpo Chinika, Regional Programme Manager for SRHR Fund, said the objective of the Adolescent and Youth SRHR Inclusive Access Initiative is for “stronger, more diverse and better-coordinated youth-led civil society organizations (that) are able to demand and promote access to inclusive and affirming SRHR information and services for adolescents and youth.”
She added that “the Regional SRHR Fund provides opportunities to respond to strategic ASRHR issues that impact the availability and accessibility of SRHR information and services.”
Tatenda Songore, Youth Advocates Executive Director, said “the meeting is a south to south learning meeting, where we are bringing together governments, Members of Parliament, representatives from African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), civil society, young people, traditional and religious leaders to come and discuss about adolescents health and wellbeing.
“To see how we could improve the health and wellbeing of young people across the region, to address the issues around teenage pregnancies, high HIV infections and ensure that young people can live healthy fulfilled lives.”
He added that the discussions are on barriers which young people face in accessing SRHR services.
The three-day meeting which started on Wednesday, ends this Friday.
