UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 12 AUGUST 2024 Africa's Future Is Young!

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 12 AUGUST 2024 International Youth Day 2024 Africa's Future Is Young! A new study by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development shows the challenges young people in Africa face when it comes to realising their sexual and reproductive self-determination. [...] A new study by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development sheds light on these and other critical issues for the reproductive and sexual self-determination of Africa’s youth generation—such as sexuality education, LGBTQI+ rights, contraceptive provision and youth-friendly health services. [...] Based on interviews with youth activists and youth-led organisations in Nigeria, Zambia and Tanzania, the study highlights the biggest gaps in young people’s sexual and reproductive health and identifies key approaches to better support young Africans. [...] There are also major gaps in healthcare provision, including in the three focus countries of the study: In Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia, most healthcare facilities fail to provide youth-friendly, confidential and respectful care to young people. [...] “That's why youth-focused projects promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights are usually more effective if they also help young people become financially independent.” Effective projects often receive insufficient funding Countless projects and initiatives already exist that aim to strengthen the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young Africans, but not all of them are equally.