Young people are excluded from many public health interventions and international targets and goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals.
They are perceived to be free from the health risks of early childhood and far from illnesses associated with old age. Yet they are particularly vulnerable to many diseases, especially sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS.
Two-thirds of people living with HIV between the age of 15-24 are from Africa.
AMREF's work with young people
AMREF recognises that young people can make responsible decisions about their own health if given appropriate information, services and support. With support, they can also motivate others to make safe decisions and to claim their rights to health.
AMREF is educating young people about HIV prevention in a youth-friendly way. Teachers and health workers are trained how to make their education more relevant to young people, by using song, dance and dramas for example. And young people themselves are encouraged to get involved.
In Tanzania, through a project entitled MEMA Kwa Vijana (Good things for young people), we are educating half a million school children about sexual and reproductive health to try and avoid early and unwanted pregnancies and the spread of HIV.
In Ethiopia we are running youth centres, offering training courses in hairdressing and metalwork, as well as good quality information on sexual and reproductive health.
We are also encouraging young people to get themselves tested for HIV by advertising our services in nightclubs and on radio programmes. By involving as many young people as possible we are helping to reduce the stigma attached to the disease.
In Nairobi in Kenya we are helping street children to go to school and to access vocational training opportunities, as well as providing them with basic health services and information.
In the long-term, AMREF is trying to close the gap that exists between young people and district authorities offering health services. In Kabale in Uganda, for example, we are empowering young people to demand better health services and encouraging district authorities to deliver them.
Projects and stories
- MEMA Kwa Vijana HIV youth education project, Tanzania
- Angaza HIV testing project, Tanzania
- Dagoretti street children project, Kenya
- Kabale youth empowerment project, Uganda
