BY CATHERINE MUCHIRI A REGIONAL campaign aimed at making sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) a reality for many people was launched in the capital yesterday.
The campaign, co-ordinated by international development organisation, Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation (HIVOS), will run in Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa under the theme Consent to Access.
HIVOS programmes manager Nana Zulu said research had shown that a number of countries lacked clear laws and policies on SRHR matters.
“Legal and policy environment show that there is a lack of clear laws and policies governing access to health and reproductive services. Where policies exist, there is a lack of harmonisation where HIV counselling and treatment can be provided at 13, but access to SRHR needs one to be 18,” Zulu said.
“The care providers don’t have proper guidance on what they should do when these youths come to their clinics. There should be clarity on health procedures on how the youth and adolescents access this facility and the carers should be youth friendly.
“Our approach is to ensure that we undertake advocacy for improved laws, policies and practices and advocacies on age of consent to ensure that these youths can access these facilities by working in partnerships with policymakers, programmers, champion leaders.”
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HIVOS consultant Innocent Yekeye added: “We propose following a rights-based approach in legislation, making it clear that any adolescents — no matter their status or background — has a right to access SRHR service and information.”