Teenage pregnancies are a health risk
The rate of teenage pregnancy in rural Africa is high. Not only is teenage pregnancy a health risk for mothers and babies, it usually has negative social implications, too. To improve the health of mothers, children and adolescents, SolidarMed trains healthcare professionals and provides information, for example on family planning, which can be used to raise awareness in village communities.
A focus on prevention
By educating children and adolescents about their sexual health and reproductive rights, SolidarMed is helping reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and empowering young people to protect themselves against malaria and HIV. The prevention of cervical cancer and mother-to-child transmission of HIV are also issues that matter to SolidarMed. Improved sexual and reproductive health also contributes to gender equality and helps reduce gender-based violence.
Breaking down barriers in the health system
Many adolescents avoid using sexual and reproductive health services. This may be due to a lack of awareness, a lack of youth-friendly health services, or because they have experienced discrimination in the past. To improve the situation, SolidarMed trains health workers on sexual and reproductive health and on dealing with adolescents.
Young people receive information, advice and support to empower them to take self-determined decisions.
Laura Ruckstuhl, Programme Manager Zimbabwe
