The Equality Project shines Light on Sexual Health for Adolescents with Disabilities in Cameroon
Three hospitals in Cameroon – Mbingo Baptist Hospital, Belo Baptist Health Center, and Fundong District Hospital – joined forces with the Equality Project to tackle a crucial issue: the knowledge gap in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV awareness among adolescents with disabilities.
Over 100 young people participated in the three-day initiative, which ran from February 14-16, 2024. The urgency of this program stems from a concerning reality: while HIV and STI prevalence among adults has decreased, it remains alarmingly high among children and adolescents, with those with disabilities being particularly vulnerable due to social and physical barriers, and their lack of knowledge.
Baseline assessments conducted by the Equality Project confirmed this lack of knowledge, highlighting the urgency of such programs. By providing tailored education and support, the initiative seeks to empower these young people and their caregivers, fostering healthier individuals and communities.
The sessions covered a range of topics, from body awareness and SRH rights to HIV and STI prevention. Interactive sessions and open discussions fostered understanding and challenged taboos.
Moved by the initiative, one father shared his distress: “My daughter with a mental disability started her period at school, but no one helped her. I felt helpless. This project helped me download an app to track her cycle, so I can be better prepared”.
Heartening confessions emerged from the participants. Open communication emerged as a key theme. Many adolescents admitted to a previous lack of knowledge and expressed increased openness to discussing concerns related to SRH.
However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the use of proper terminology for private parts due to cultural taboos, to which the project and facility team which included a sign language interpreter, doubling as a native speaker, actively engaged in corrective education, helping the adolescents and their caregivers to understand the importance of using the right terminology. The sessions all ended with screening for HIV and STIs.
The Equality Project emphasizes the importance of empowerment initiatives beyond mere education. The program aims to equip communities with the tools and knowledge needed to continue supporting their disabled members, fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding. Meeting their needs also ensures they are included in the global fight to ensure all the three 95 targets of UNAIDS are attained in the Northwest region of Cameroon.
This collaborative effort between hospitals and the Equality Project represents a significant step towards bridging the knowledge gap and empowering disabled adolescents in Cameroon. By addressing their specific needs and fostering open communication, the program paves the way for healthier individuals and more inclusive communities.
