Youths voice Opinions on Sexuality
In Cameroon, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) for adolescents and youth remains a real public health challenge. These young people are exposed to many health problems such as HIV and other STIs, early pregnancies leading to unsafe abortions, and high morbidity and mortality.
Adolescents’ girls aged 15-19 years account for 12.3% of the maternal mortality rate while youths between the ages 20-24 years account for 23.4% with the principal causes of death being early pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and low uptake of contraceptive methods. In fact, the prevalence of early pregnancy among girls aged 15-19 was at 24% (DHS 2018). Young people in the Northwest Region of Cameroon have worsening experiences and exposure due to the ongoing socio-political crisis where young people especially girls have become more vulnerable.
In alignment with the Ministry’s objective to inform, educate, and support adolescents and youths on issues of sexual and reproductive health and empowerment of young people to adopt responsible sexual behavior, the Equality Project of the CBC Health Services during a Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Dialogue brought together 60 young boys and girls age 18-24 years from some churches and two Muslim communities to educate them on HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health at the Nkwen Baptist Center on August 25, 2023. These young people had the opportunity to get expert education/information on HIV and STI prevention, skills to delay sexual activity and prevent early and unwanted pregnancy, interventions to prevent and manage sexual violence including rape, and the services available to victims. They also received skills to manage peer pressure and were taught to appreciate and cherish their body as it is and not focus on what they can’t change.
In addition to classical presentations, the participants had the opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences and pose questions for clarification. It was indeed an engaging event in a safe space that permitted the young people to share their experiences without any fear of being judged or stigmatized. The young people did not only express satisfaction with the fact that their voices were heard but also because they had access to reliable information that would help them make informed decisions. They also pledged to share their learning with their peers.