The awareness campaign on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health launched in Kenge, Democratic Republic of Congo, is a crucial initiative that aims to improve access to reliable information in this sensitive area. Under the impetus of the National Adolescent Health Program (PNSA) and the Support Project for Strengthening the Health System and Improving Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Interventions (PARSS-SSR), this campaign highlights the importance of preventing early pregnancies, induced abortions, sexual violence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and drug addiction among young people.
The provincial Minister of Health, Dr. Apollinaire Yumba, stressed the urgency of involving maternal, child and adolescent health partners in this approach to ensure the success of the awareness campaign. He called for collective mobilization to provide young people in Kenge with increased access to relevant information on their sexual and reproductive health. This proactive approach aims to break taboos and promote open and non-judgmental dialogue on these crucial issues.
Dr. Mimie Kabamba Kayembe, Division Head for Monitoring and Evaluation at PNSA, highlighted the diversity of activities planned under the campaign, ranging from awareness campaigns to radio broadcasts and open days. These initiatives aim to reach a wide audience of adolescents and young people, using varied approaches adapted to their specific needs.
The involvement of provincial authorities is essential to ensure the success of this campaign and maximize its impact on the health of adolescents and young people. Dr. Trésor Kiama, Analyst at PNSA/Kwango, stressed the importance of informing young people about their sexual and reproductive health, highlighting the challenges they face on a daily basis.
By creating the National Adolescent Health Program in 2003, the Ministry of Public Health made a strong commitment to the well-being of young people. This structure aims to support the health and healthy development of adolescents and young people, by providing them with easy access to quality services adapted to their specific needs.
In short, this awareness campaign on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people in Kenge represents a major step forward in promoting the health of new generations. By encouraging dialogue, breaking taboos and providing clear and reliable information, it contributes to creating an environment conducive to the development and well-being of adolescents and young people in the region.