Adolescents and young people (AYPs) are at high risk of poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual and gender-based violence. Inadequate access to SRH information, education, and services exacerbates these risks.

It is against this backdrop that the Zambia Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (ZAGO) is implementing a project called: “Improving access to and use of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services by adolescents and young people”. The project is supported by AmplifyChange. The overall goal is to improve and advance the SRH rights of in- and out-school adolescents through the provision of appropriate education and linkage to access services.

Through “LET’S SPEAK UP CAMPAIGN,” the  project is designed to address the high teenage pregnancy rate accounting for 28% in Zambia. It will also tackle challenge of low contraceptive uptake, and the high prevalence of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among young people.

Anticipated outcomes include:

1. Increased community awareness and support for SRH services for adolescents & young people;
2. Increase parent-child communication on SRH matters for adolescents & young people;
3. Increase uptake and use of contraceptive services among adolescents & young people;
4. Increase adolescents & young people accessing SRH services in youth friendly health spaces.

The project is implemented in three provinces and ten districts of Zambia, and sites as follows:

COPPERBELT PROVINCE

• Chingola District: Chiwempala Clinic, Chawama Mini Hospital and Kings Clinic
• Mufulira District: Butondo Clinic, Kankoyo Clinic 6 & Kamuchanga Hospital
• Kitwe District: Chimwemwe Mini Hospital, Ndeke Clinic & Buchi Clinic
• Ndola District: New Masala Clinic, Lubuto Clinic and Nkwazi Clinic

EASTERN PROVINCE

• Petauke District: Petauke Urban Clinic, Kalindawalo RHC & Petauke Hospital
• Sinda District: Sinda Zonal HC, Mthunya RHC & Mngomba RHC
• Chipata District: Kapata Urban Clinic, Namseche Clinic & Chipata Trades Clinic

LUSAKA PROVINCE

• Chongwe District: Ngwerere Urban Clinic, Chongwe Hospital & Chalimbana Clinic
• Kafue District: Nangongwe Clinic, Kafue Estate Clinic & Chanyanya RHC
• Chilanga District: Chilanga Urban Clinic, Mwembeshi Clinic & Makeni Konga Clinic

The project launch which took place in Chilanga district was a huge success and attracted various stakeholders and media coverage. The next activity being implemented is the training of data collectors who will then collect data for baseline survey.