The Zambia Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (ZAGO) since January 2026 has hosted a series of informative webinar discussions as one of the key activities under the “Improving Access to and Use of SRHR Services by Adolescents and Young People (AYP)” project. These collaborative sessions brought together expertise and insights from three districts – Petauke, Chongwe, and Chilanga – each addressing a critical pillar of adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The webinars provided a vital platform for sharing knowledge, strategies, and local experiences to better support the health and well-being of young people across communities.

The team from Petauke presented on the innovative HEADSS Approach – a holistic psychosocial interviewing tool that explores:

HEADSS = Home, Education, Activities, Drugs, Sexual activity, Suicide/depression,

This session demonstrated how using this structured framework can help healthcare providers and advocates better understand the complete context of an adolescent’s life, leading to more effective, personalized, and sensitive SRHR counselling and advocacy.

Chongwe district focused on the pressing issue of STIs among youth. The discussion covered:

• Awareness of common STIs and their transmission.
• Importance of prevention, including correct and consistent condom use.
• Reducing stigma and encouraging early testing and treatment.
• The critical link between untreated STIs and long-term reproductive health complications, including infertility.

The Chilanga district team led an impactful session on teenage pregnancy, delving into its multifaceted consequences:

• Increased risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth for both mother and baby.
• Interruption of education, limited future opportunities, and the cycle of poverty.
• Stigma, stress, and mental health challenges.

The presentation emphasized comprehensive prevention strategies, including education, access to contraception, and community support systems.

The webinars underscored the power of national, provincial, district and healthcare facility-level collaboration in tackling complex SRHR challenges. Sharing successful approaches and lessons learned, Petauke, Chongwe, and Chilanga district discussion were designed to strengthen a united front to improve adolescent health outcomes.

The “Improving Access to and Use of SRHR Services by Adolescents and Young People” project, through initiatives like the webinars, continue to make strides in ensuring that every young person in the country has the knowledge, support, and services they need to make informed, healthy decisions about their bodies and futures.