The Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health (AYSRH) program is a cornerstone initiative of HEDSO, dedicated to empowering young people particularly AGYWs, youth, and PWDs with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and services related to sexual and reproductive health across 10 counties in Kenya. We recognize that adolescents and youth face unique challenges including over 254,000 pregnancies among girls aged 10–19 annually, limited access to accurate information, and barriers to quality healthcare services, especially in fishing communities and sugar-belt regions.
Our program takes a holistic approach through the HEAL-WELL pillar, addressing not only the physical aspects of sexual and reproductive health but also mental health, psychosocial support, and disability inclusion. We work closely with communities, schools, health facilities, county governments, and youth organizations to create supportive, stigma-free environments where young people can make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Through peer education, community health champions, digital platforms, advocacy, and inclusive service delivery, we strive to reduce teenage pregnancies, prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, combat gender-based violence, integrate mental health screening, and promote positive health-seeking behaviors among adolescents and youth in Kenya's underserved counties.
| Objective | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Provide comprehensive SRHR education to adolescents, youth, and PWDs | 13,620+ students reached through school forums; 1,000 community health champions and peer educators trained; 1 million young people engaged through digital platforms by 2030 |
| Improve access to youth and disability-friendly health services | At least 1 functional inclusive service delivery point per sub-county across 10 counties; 10,500 health facility staff trained; 50% increase in service utilization by youth and PWDs by 2030 |
| Reduce teenage pregnancies and early marriages | Significant reduction in teenage pregnancy rates in high-burden counties (baseline: 33% in Homa Bay, 20%+ in Migori); 20 support groups for teenage mothers strengthened; 568 teen mothers supported with economic empowerment |
| Prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs among youth | Reduced vulnerability to transactional sex (Jaboya system) in Lake Victoria fishing communities; increased access to prevention services through mobile clinics; improved HIV testing and condom use among sexually active youth by 30% |
| Combat gender-based violence and promote mental health | Youth-friendly digital GBV response platform developed; 60% reduction in stigma around SRHR and mental health; mental health screening integrated in 60% of primary health facilities; 75% client satisfaction rate by 2030 |
| Strengthen youth participation in SRHR advocacy and governance | 5,000 AGYWs, youth, and PWDs trained in civic education; 40% increase in representation in county decision-making structures; youth-led advocacy groups influencing county health policies and budgets across 10 counties |