Guttmacher Institute’s Post

Today is #WorldSexualHealthDay. Sexual Health is a prerequisite for good health and well-being but resistance and skepticism on promoting it persists. In Sub-Saharan Africa, young people mostly adolescent girls and young women face a magnitude of abstacles in accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health information and services. The cost of this are the rising number of teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions and more than 350,000 new HIV infections among the 15 - 24 year olds. Join us tomorrow, as we have a candid conversation to bring us to a reality-check in order to confront our challenges with confidence and commitment to save future generations. Please register in advance; https://shorturl.at/0j65W Time check: Thursday, 5th September - 3PM EAT. Cc. EANNASO GNP Plus Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Uganda WACI Health Hivos Women4GlobalFund (W4GF) Hivos SEA #PutPeopleFirst #WeLeadOurSRHR

Youth in Kilosa DC Demand Action on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Issues! 🚨 Young people in Kilosa District are raising their voices, urging local decision-makers to address the lack of accurate SRHR information. They highlighted how misinformation has led to serious issues like early pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and rising cases of STIs, HIV, and GBV. In a powerful presentation, youth advocate Godfrey Sagui emphasized: “If adolescents and young people had access to accurate SRHR information and youth-friendly services, many of these challenges could be drastically reduced or eliminated.” The good news? Decision-makers are listening! They've committed to improving services by training healthcare providers and increasing the Youth-Friendly Services (YFS) budget in 2025/2026. 👏 #SRHR4ALL

More than 120 million people worldwide are displaced by persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations — and we know that displacement does not stop the need for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. Contraceptive supplies and services, care for survivors of sexual violence, prevention of and treatment for HIV/STIs, maternal and newborn care, and safe abortion care must be available and accessible in humanitarian crisis settings. Timely care can save lives, and prevent disease and disability related to unintended pregnancy, obstetric complications, sexual and gender-based violence, STIs and a range of reproductive disorders. We’re grateful for humanitarian workers and for our partners in the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises who have championed the Minimum Initial Service Package for SRH in crisis situations: https://gu.tt/46TrYVo #WorldHumanitarianDay #WHD2024 #ActForHumanity

Excited to share that I was named runner-up in the write-up competition held back in September 2023 by the "Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Including HIV and AIDS, BMSS" and "UNAIDS"! I am honored to have my work recognized by such distinguished organizations. Looking forward to leveraging this achievement for future growth and contributions to the field. #MedicalWriting #BMSS #UNAIDS #ProfessionalAchievement"

In West Africa alone, over 36% of women of reproductive age cannot access modern contraception even when they wish to prevent pregnancy. This unmet need for contraceptives, coupled with a lack of comprehensive sexuality education, leaves young women vulnerable to unintended pregnancies, early school dropout, and financial dependency. Each of these outcomes reinforces existing cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Here’s why access to sexual health education and contraceptives matters: Empowerment through Education – Age-appropriate sexuality education can help young people understand their bodies, make informed choices, and protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Economic and Educational Opportunities – Contraceptives allow young women to delay pregnancy, stay in school, and build careers. When they have control over family planning, they gain control over their economic future. Combating HIV and AIDS – Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV infection, with young women being disproportionately affected. Access to condoms and safe sex education can reduce these rates, safeguarding health and reducing stigma. At What Women Want to Know, we believe sexual and reproductive health is a human right. Let us continue to advocate for solutions that increase women’s access to basic health needs! #GenderHealthGap #WomensHealth #SexualHealth #Contraceptives 

Reproductive choice is the ability to make decisions about your body. This includes the ability to: 💙 Choose if or when to become pregnant 💙 Choose the contraception method that's right for you 💙 Access accurate information about your sexual and reproductive health and rights Reproductive choice is directly linked with a person's opportunities and power to drive change. When we're able to understand and be in control of our bodies, we can choose our own future - whether that's pursuing an education, a career, or any other path. At MSI Australia, we're proud to support people to make choices about their own reproductive health. From abortion and contraception services, to vasectomy, cervical cancer screening and HIV testing. Explore our services🔗https://lnkd.in/gGQqkbqr #ReproductiveChoice #ReproductiveRights #MyBodyMyChoice

SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS ARE NONNEGOTIABLE : Comprehensive sexuality education. Contraceptive services. Treatment of HIV/AIDS and STI's Safe abortion care. Gender-based violence support. Sexual health and well-being. Adolescent and youth-friendly SRH services.

Teenage Health and Access to Reproductive Services Adolescents make up a considerable portion of Somaliland's population. The general development of the country depends on their health. Teenagers in good health have a higher chance of developing into successful adults who strengthen their communities' social and economic relationships. On the other hand, health problems throughout adolescence can have negative long-term consequences that prolong cycles of inequality and poverty. Somaliland's Adolescent Health Issues are included: 1. Limited Access to Reproductive Health Services: Reproductive health services are often scarce and unevenly distributed in Somaliland. This lack of access increases the risk of unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. 2. Cultural and Social Barriers: Cultural norms and stigmas around adolescent sexuality pose significant challenges. Discussions about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are often considered taboo, preventing young people from seeking the information and services they need. Gender norms further restrict girls’ access to health services and information worsening health disparities. In conclusion, informing young people about their reproductive health is critical in preventing sexual assault and the spread of STIs. Comprehensive sexuality education provides adolescents with accurate information about their bodies, relationships, and consent, empowering them to make informed decisions and protect themselves from harm. #Health #Reproductive health #STDs #Adolescent

Thrilled to unveil Development Dynamics' first SRHRJ sector paper! I'm incredibly grateful to Development Dynamics | B Corp for giving me the incredible challenge of leading the creation of our first-ever SRHRJ sector paper! This work leverages insights gleaned from five years of our dedicated work in adolescent and youth SRHR advocacy. I would like to give a massive shoutout to my amazing team of reviewers who tirelessly dedicated their time and expertise. Daisy Tuzo Chi-Chi Undie Marline Oluchi Cindy Amaiza Brenda Baks Y-isha Anthonique. Their commitment ensured the paper's accuracy, data-driven approach, and clear relevance to our target audience – organizations like iNGOs, CBOs, NGOs, movements, and donors. I cannot forget to mention my amazing co-authors Shem Otina Halima Abba Ali Zaid and my CEO MaqC Eric Gitau, Ph.D. this paper has come to life thanks to your guidance, co-creation, critiques and dedication. Ya'll did not tire and I am beyond grateful. Together with this amazing team, we're thrilled to unveil "State of the Triple Threat (New HIV Infections, Gender Based Violence and Teenage Pregnancies) A Comparative Review With East, West and South African Giants (Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa)" What's Inside? You may ask… -Critical trends and patterns in HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, and GBV prevalence. -Comparative analysis of these issues across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa – highlighting their unique challenges with actual case studies. -Actionable recommendations for strengthening innovative financing models for SRHR programs in Africa. -Guidance on developing strategic partnerships to combat these interconnected problems. If you're passionate about social justice, gender equality, SRHR, and youth development in Africa, then this is a must-have resource! Download Your FREE Copy Today! ➡️ Head over to www.dd.co.ke and download your FREE copy of "State of the Triple Threat" today!  #SRHRJ #DevelopmentDynamics #Africa #YouthDevelopment #SocialJustice P.S. Feel free to share this post and spread the word! Let's get this valuable resource into the hands of those who can make a real difference.

Let's talk SRHR…. Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights are central to people's overall health and well-being. When we talk about SRHR we mean a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being; in relation to all aspects of sexuality and reproduction, not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Over the years, work on SRHR has been focused on increasing access to contraception, improving infant and mental health, and HIV/AIDS. However many fundamental issues, including some of huge importance to adolescents have been neglected. Neglected areas include access to safe abortion, menstrual health, GBV, and sexuality among others. Everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services including reproductive healthcare that is, if you did not know.   . . . #EqualizingTheUnEqual #hurukuroforcomprehensiveSRH