1. Youth Leadership in AIDS Response – The Next Generation of Leaders What a youth led friendly service looks like Sydney Tetteh Hushie Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS
This presentation will focus on the vulnerability of adolescent girls to HIV infection, through a review of trend data on behaviours and services.
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa
4 to 8 December 2011, Addis Ababa

2. The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Background….
Young people are highly visible in the international AIDS response
Almost half of all infection occur among people 25 years or younger
10 years ago you would have seen 10 young people in the entire conference as passive participants
There are over 300 young people in this conference speaking in over 20 sessions, leading the youth program for this conference
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

3. The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
In Africa, almost 5 million unsafe abortions are performed every year. This is approximately 30 unsafe abortions for every 1000 women of reproductive age.
IPPF annual report 2008
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

4. Pathfinder International YFS Technical guidance series
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Although practices differ by region and culture, young people throughout the world are changing their attitudes and behaviors regarding sexual activity. Typically, there is more pre-marital sexual behavior and a delay in the age of marriage, creating a longer period of likely unsanctioned sexual activity and pregnancy.
Pathfinder International YFS Technical guidance series
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

5. The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
young people continue to face greater reproductive health risks than adults
Young people take higher risks in general, including unprotected sex.
Young women are less able to resist sexual pressure and coercion.
Young people in disadvantaged circumstances are vulnerable to sexual exploitation for favors and financial support.
Young women are disproportionately represented among abortion-seekers, many of whom endure unsafe, clandestine procedures.
Young women, for biological and cultural reasons, are more susceptible to HIV.
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

6. The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Young people are also still less willing and able to seek RH services
National laws and policies restricting access to care based on age and/or marital status
Inconvenient hours of operation
Lack of convenient transportation
High cost of services
Poor understanding of their changing bodies and needs
Insufficient awareness of the risks associated with early pregnancy and STIs/HIV
Little knowledge of the available services
Lack of awareness regarding the location of RH services
Belief that the services are not intended for them
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

7. OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Cont’d
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Cont’d
Concern that the staff will be hostile or judgmental
Concern over lack of privacy and confidentiality
Fear of medical procedures and contraceptive methods, including side effects
Embarrassment at needing or wanting RH services
Fear that their parents might learn of their visit
Shame, especially if the visit follows sexual coercion or abuse
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

8. OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Youth – the different meanings
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Youth – the different meanings
UN– years
AU – 15 – 35 years
Most youth organizations –
Most African countries – 15 – 35
In some cases – State of Mind
Geographic and biological changes
Economic and financial status
Social status
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

9. OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Youth – the different meanings (implications)
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Youth – the different meanings (implications)
No clear transition and succession plan
Limited or no sustained planning
Classification as a homogeneous group
Treatment as a transitional phase of life – Training ground
Lack of sustained commitment of young people to youth process
Youth as a an unskilled group (myth)
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

10. The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Considering that adolescents are reluctant to seek RH services as they are currently provided, it is important to find ways to offer care in a manner that they perceive as more welcoming, comfortable, and responsive.
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

11. The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Why young people need Youth Friendly RH Services
High chances of wrong information passage among peers
Specific biological and psychological needs of adolescence
High risk of STIs, HIV, and pregnancy
Disproportionately high risk of sexual abuse
Opportune age/stage to learn safe health practices
Severity of consequences from lack of RH services during adolescence.
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

12. OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN What a youth ‘led’ friendly service looks like
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
What a youth ‘led’ friendly service looks like
• Youth involvement in design and continuing
feedback • Drop-in clients welcomed and/or appointments arranged rapidly • No overcrowding and short waiting times •Affordable fees • Publicity and recruitment that inform and reassure youth • Boys and young men welcomed and served • Wide range of services available •Necessary referrals available • Convenient hours •Convenient location • Adequate space and sufficient privacy • Comfortable surroundings •Educational materials available • Group discussions available • Specially trained staff • Respect for young people • Privacy and confidentiality honored • Adequate time for client and provider interaction • Peer counselors available
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN

13. OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN What youth leadership looks like to youth
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
What youth leadership looks like to youth
As a youth leader, I see myself sitting at the same table deciding the direction of the Global AIDS response without feeling discriminated against just because of my age – Sandra Barimah– British Council Ghana
My organization runs a youth peer education campaign in my country reaching thousands of youth in a year. Don’t you think my organization should be treated equally for funding allocation and not sidelined because we are a youth organization? –Whats on your mind – Youth Pavilion
I am 26 years old with adequate educational and professional experience having engaged in various development related fields for over 10 years. Why not treat me as a partner but sideline me because of my age? – Anonymous
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14. Thank you OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN
The 16th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa
Thank you
OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN