A recent social audit conducted by citizen auditors from the NGO Jeunesse et Développement (JED) has highlighted significant barriers to young people's access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Saint-Louis, Senegal. The audit's findings, presented on November 12 at the Lycée technique André Peytavin, revealed that consultation hours are often incompatible with school or work schedules, while a lack of confidentiality and fear of social judgment deter many young people from seeking care.
The audit also uncovered territorial and statutory disparities in access to healthcare. Young people in rural areas are less likely to frequent healthcare facilities, and unmarried individuals face more resistance and prejudice than married people when seeking care. Codou Seck, project animator in Saint-Louis, emphasized that young people need access to information, protection, and respect for their health rights.
The audit's findings were welcomed by local authorities, including Prefect Maurice Latyr Dione, who acknowledged the inadequacies in healthcare facilities' reception, information, and orientation. He announced plans to advocate for dedicated, youth-friendly spaces within health facilities and encouraged families and communities to address taboos surrounding sexuality and reproductive health.
The "Jeunes en Vigie 2" initiative, led by Jeunesse et Développement, aims to translate the audit's recommendations into operational reforms. This includes advocating for flexible consultation hours and improved dialogue between young people, particularly young girls, and healthcare providers. The goal is to ensure that every young person has free, confidential, and non-discriminatory access to care and information.
Key stakeholders, including local authorities and healthcare providers, have expressed support for the initiative. By addressing the systemic and sociocultural barriers to SRH services, the project hopes to improve health outcomes for young people in Saint-Louis. The audit's findings and recommendations have sparked a necessary conversation about the need for youth-friendly healthcare services.
The project's focus on youth empowerment and participation is seen as crucial to its success. By involving young people in the design and implementation of SRH services, Jeunesse et Développement aims to create more responsive and effective healthcare systems. This approach has the potential to inform similar initiatives in other regions, contributing to improved health outcomes for young people across Senegal.
As the project moves forward, it will be essential to monitor progress and assess the impact of the recommended reforms. With the support of local authorities and healthcare providers, Jeunesse et Développement is well-positioned to drive meaningful change and improve access to SRH services for young people in Saint-Louis.
Key points
- Inadequate consultation hours and lack of confidentiality deter young people from seeking sexual and reproductive health services in Saint-Louis, Senegal.
- Territorial and statutory disparities exist in access to healthcare, with rural and unmarried young people facing more significant barriers.
- The "Jeunes en Vigie 2" initiative aims to address these barriers through advocacy, policy reforms, and improved dialogue between young people and healthcare providers.
Reporting sources
- WalFadjri · WalFadjri
