Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
REGIONAL leaders, Government officials and youth advocates have called for the removal of barriers preventing adolescents from accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services across east and southern Africa.
Speaking at the Step Up for Adolescents Sexual Protection Regional Engagement Meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) chief executive officer Mr Farai Machinga said every young person, including those with disabilities,
deserved access to quality, youth-friendly SRHR services without stigma or discrimination.
“Every adolescent has a right to information and services that protect their health and dignity,” he said.
“Yet, this right remains unrealised for too many due to legal, cultural and systemic barriers that silence young voices and limit their autonomy.”
Mr Machinga said the region continued to face high rates of sexually transmitted infections, child marriages and maternal deaths despite policy progress, calling for greater investment and youth participation in health programmes.
Hivos Southern Africa regional director Mr Joy Mabenge said restrictive laws, stigma and lack of coordination were undermining the region’s commitment to adolescent health.
“Rising HIV infections and adolescent pregnancies are not just statistics — they are urgent calls to action,” he said.
Youth Advocates executive director Mr Tatenda Songore urged leaders to reform laws that restrict young people’s access to care.
“Are laws supposed to be restricting access or protecting rights?” he said.
Restless Development hub director Mr Leslie Garura said adolescents must be part of shaping policies that affect them.
“When trusted, young people can lead powerful, lasting change,” he said.
The meeting, supported by CIDA through the Hivos Regional Research and Child Fund, brought together governments, civil society, and youth networks to strengthen regional coordination in advancing adolescent SRHR access.
