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By Henry Owino
Nairobi, Kenya: Adolescents and youth face critical sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges across Africa, including limited access to education, health services, gender inequality, and rising risks like STIs and early pregnancies. Worsened by climate change, political shifts, and technological disruptions, these issues demand urgent action.
In efforts to advancing youth sexual and reproductive health and rights across Africa, the Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK), in partnership with the Ministry of Health-Kenya, is hosting the 8th Pan-African AYSRHR Scientific Conference between 24th to 27th June 2025 in Mombasa, Kenya.
The conference is dedicated to tackling Adolescents and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR) issues in Africa. The target participants are young people who are valued partners in the Scientific Conference and believed will help shape impactful solutions for the future.
According to Nelly Munyasia, Executive Director of RHNK, this annual event unites government, civil society, academia, and private sector leaders to advance access to SRHR services. It offers actionable strategies to address regional challenges amidst global threats.
Munyasia, said RHNK champions for Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Kenya and other African countries through partnership.
“We aim to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality rates, particularly focusing on critical factors like postpartum hemorrhage and unsafe abortion, among other contributors to maternal health challenges,” Munyasia explained. Adding that RHNK implements strategic interventions to improve maternal healthcare outcomes in Kenya.”
“We are calling upon likeminded organizations to join us to empower all young people in achieving Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through a unified platform for stakeholders at all levels,” she urged.
This year’s 8th RHNK Pan-African AYSRHR Scientific Conference explores solutions under the theme: “Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in a World of Emerging Threats and Opportunities.”
Dr Edison Omollo, Program Director, RHNK said young people are not just participants, they are the driving force behind real change in AYSRHR. He said from past, the youth delegates have done marvelous presentations based on their experiences at the previous conference.
This year, the Youth Café will provide a dedicated space for youth voices to be heard, solutions to be shaped, and policies to be influenced. Therefore, the 8th RHNK Pan Africa AYSRHR Scientific Conference all need to be part of the conversation that will shape Africa’s SRHR future.
Sub-themes for the four days conference will dwell on:
- Global Politics and SRHR Policies
- Enhancing Bodily Autonomy
- Climate Change and SRHR
- Leveraging Technology for AYSRHR
- Youth Advocacy and Social Accountability
- Combating Anti-Rights Movements
Prof. Joachim Osur, Chairperson, Conference Planning Committee and Vice Chancellor AMREF International University said many factors contribute to SRHR challenges amongst the adolescents and youth.
For instance, early marriages, early sex debut resulting to teenage motherhood, misuse of technology such as pornography, peer pressure, misinformation and disinformation, poor parental upbring, illiteracy/ignorance, poverty, and environment where one lives.
Prof Osur observed that many young people are always eager to test every new product in the market regardless of its side effects. It is very dangerous to use reproductive health devices not approved by government for the sake venturing into latest brands.
Prof. Joachim Osur Chairperson Conference Planning Committee and Vice Chancellor AMREF International University.
“Young people do not want to be judged but need a listening ear from adult who understands them to speak to their sexual issues. Again, comprehensive sexual education is a good idea of reaching out to adolescents but it has been politicized to mean promiscuity hence disbanded in schools,” Prof Osur noted.
With Kenya’s youth facing high risks of HIV transmission, it is forums like this forthcoming conference where such pertinent discussion happens which also creates a safe space to explore healthy relationship dynamics, disclosure, and self-care.
Challenges of reproductive health misconceptions are debunked to promote accurate information to create awareness and make informed decisions.
So, the 8th Scientific Conference is the perfect moment to talk about sexual health, break the stigma surrounding HIV, and empower young people with comprehensive sexual knowledge among other issues to tackled openly without shame.
The SRHR issues of Africa’s youth can’t wait. It’s time to act, innovate, and push for change.
“Join us at the 8th RHNK Pan-African AYSRHR Scientific Conference as we explore bold, evidence-driven solutions to improve youth access to sexual and reproductive health, challenge stigma, and advocate for transformative policy reforms across Africa,” Prof Osur said.
NENA NA BINTI is a 24/7 Center Call for safe space that provides unrestricted access to essential and comprehensive SRH information and services to all individuals. Through a team of trained health counselors and SRH legal experts the call center offers a wide range of services, including family planning guidance, contraception information, mental health support, pro-bono legal assistance, telemedicine, psychosocial support, client referrals, and follow-up services.
Kenya’s toll-free lifeline for SRHR information and services. Offering a secure space for women and girls to seek guidance and make informed decisions, it’s a catalyst for positive change and empowerment. 0800 211 227 (toll-free phoneline) or 0775 533 117 (WhatsApp).
Registration for the 8th RHNK Pan Africa AYSRHR Scientific Conference closes on May 31st, 2025. To be part of the movement and secure a place, register now at rhnk.org/conference.
