In Zambia, adolescents and the youth represent a critical population, full of potential, but also uniquely vulnerable. They face a range of health challenges – from sexual and reproductive health issues to mental health concerns, alcohol and substance abuse, Gender Based Violence (GBV), STIs and HIV, and many barriers to accessing adolescent and youth-friendly health services. With financial support from AMPLIFYCHANGE, ZAGO is implementing a project called, “Improving access to and use of Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) services by adolescents and young people.” Through “LET’S SPEAK UP CAMPAIGN” the project aims to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents and young people in the country. The effectiveness of adolescent health services heavily depends on the capacity and attitude of healthcare workers. Therefore, comprehensive training of healthcare providers is crucial to advance adolescent and youth health-friendly services.

As one of the project objectives, ZAGO has been conducting training for Adolescent Health Facility Focal Point Persons (ADH – FFPP) aimed at equipping not only with clinical knowledge, but also with the right attitudes and communication skills to serve effectively and respectfully deliver services without judging the young people. These interactive training are designed to strengthen understanding of adolescent development, right-based approaches to care, and practical tools for delivering comprehensive, integrated, and adolescent-responsive health services. Not only are the training pivoted on biomedical aspects of care, but also the socio-cultural and structural factors that influence adolescent health outcomes: equipping the healthcare providers to create a supportive environment, build trust, and deliver adolescent-tailored services. Such training not only improves immediate health outcomes but also lays the foundation for healthier young adult populations and stronger health systems.