Nyimine Empowerment community-based organization was part of the 7th Scientific conference held by the Reproductive Health Network Kenya. The conference had varied activities and sessions among them including a presentation by Vanessa Sekpon, who provided insights into the situation in Benin. While Benin boasts positive policies for Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR), challenges remain. For instance, the government doesn’t fully adhere to WHO recommendations on issues like safe abortion services and information dissemination. This lack of access forces young people to seek information online, making them vulnerable to misinformation and potentially leading to unsafe abortion practices. Our Executive director Lorna Nyandat had a chance to present her written abstract themed Our Voice :Quality improvement monitoring that builds clinic -community collaboration. NYECBOs two other staff (Tracy and Claris )presented a poster presentation on how Ma’Box a virtual suggestion box can be used to inform the delivery of inclusive healthcare.
Breakout Sessions and Panel Discussions
There was a series of breakout sessions where delegates presented abstracts on the various conference sub-themes, including best practices in service delivery and community-based interventions for AYSRHR.
Following the breakout rooms, the main hall hosted a panel discussion on “Medical and Legal Professionals.” The panelists, moderated by Eric Latiff, explored critical aspects of AYSRHR from a medical and legal perspective.
Poster Presentations and Side Events
There was also featured poster presentations addressing policy advocacy for AYSRHR within the UHC agenda and integrating AYSRHR into the development agenda. Additionally, several side events tackled crucial topics like:
- SRHR access for people with disabilities
- Collaboration with the faith community on adolescent sexual health
- Empowering young voices for a better future in AYSRHR
- Post-pregnancy family planning as a best practice
The Youth Cafe provided a dedicated space for young people to engage in discussions, games, and interviews, fostering a space for learning and connection.
The conference also explored discussions on “Innovative digital solutions” that empower young people, discuss “Gender equity and social inclusion” to ensure no one is left behind, and delve into “Funding models” that create a sustainable future for AYSRHR services.
There were also other several key sessions on:
- Building together: adolescent and youth centric approaches to SRHR and Family Planning (hosted by PS Kenya) promises to explore youth-focused strategies for better health outcomes.
- Bridging the Gap in SRHR Services for Persons with Disabilities: Redefining Norms for AYSRHR Equality (hosted by GEM TRUST) tackled inclusivity challenges and reimagines AYSRHR for all.
- Empowering Women and Girls: Advancing Access, Affordability, and Sustainability of Self-Injectable Contraceptives via Informed Choice Programming (presented by ACCESS COLLABORATIVE), featuring the esteemed RHNK ED Nelly Munyasia, Dr. Ndwiga from the MOH-Kenya, Monica Mutesa from PATH-Zambia, Dr. Achieng’ Aling’- a gynaecologist and Michelle Kariuki – an RHNK Board Member. This session promises to explore innovative solutions for women’s reproductive health choices.
- Throughout the days, there were engaging discussions on “Best practices/innovations in service delivery” and “Community-based norms shifting and narrative change interventions for AYSRHR
