As we celebrate Africa Day 2024, we reflect on the progress made towards achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all Africans. This blog highlights the importance of prioritizing SRHR in Africa’s development agenda, addressing challenges, and celebrating successes.
Challenges
- Limited access to contraception and family planning services: Many Africans, especially in rural areas, lack access to contraception and family planning services, leading to unintended pregnancies and related health issues.
- High maternal mortality rates: Africa has some of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with many women dying due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Prevalence of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation: Gender-based violence and sexual exploitation are widespread in Africa, with women and girls being disproportionately affected.
- Stigma and discrimination against marginalized groups: Marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV, face significant stigma and discrimination, hindering their access to SRHR services.
- Inadequate comprehensive sexuality education: Many African countries lack comprehensive sexuality education, leaving young people without accurate information and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Successes
- Increased political commitment to SRHR: There has been growing political commitment to SRHR in Africa, with many governments recognizing its importance for development.
- Expansion of youth-friendly services: Youth-friendly services, such as adolescent-friendly health services, have been expanded in some African countries, improving access to SRHR services for young people.
- Improved access to safe abortion care: Some African countries have made progress in improving access to safe abortion care, reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.
- Growing advocacy and activism for SRHR: Civil society organizations and activists have been increasingly advocating for SRHR in Africa, raising awareness and pushing for policy changes.
- Innovative solutions using technology and community engagement: New technologies and community engagement strategies have been developed to improve access to SRHR services, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Call to Action
There is need to strengthen political commitment and funding for SRHR: Governments and international organizations must prioritize SRHR and allocate sufficient funding to support its implementation.
Address social and cultural barriers to SRHR: Efforts should be made to address social and cultural barriers that hinder access to SRHR services, such as stigma and discrimination.
Scale up comprehensive sexuality education: Comprehensive sexuality education should be scaled up to reach all young people in Africa, empowering them with accurate information and skills.
Enhance access to youth-friendly services: Youth-friendly services should be expanded and improved to meet the unique needs of young people.
Support marginalized communities’ SRHR: Specific efforts should be made to support marginalized communities’ access to SRHR services, addressing their unique challenges and barriers.
Africa Day 2024 is a reminder that SRHR is essential for Africa’s prosperity. By addressing challenges and building on successes, we can ensure that all Africans, particularly women and youth, have the freedom to make informed choices about their bodies, health, and lives. Let us unite to prioritize SRHR and create a healthier, more equitable Africa for all.