Taking stock of existing barriers to sexual and reproductive health of girls and women in SSA and how collaboration and innovation can help shape the future | Macau Business

Africa’s Adolescent Girls and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Africa has the highest rate of births to adolescent girls between the ages of 15-19 (99 births/1000 adolescents)^[1]. However, the fragmented and under-resourced health system in the region has failed to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls. This has resulted in devastating consequences, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth becoming the leading cause of death for young women aged 15-19 years. Additionally, laws, policies, and social stigma in some countries prevent teenage mothers from returning to school, leading to shattered dreams and lost potential.

The Need for Youth-Friendly Services

Many communities in Africa require sexual and reproductive health services that are youth-friendly, safe, and conducted in a secure environment. These services should provide accurate information and decision-making power to safeguard the well-being of women and young girls. Cost is also an important consideration, not just in terms of service fees but also the burden of time placed on utilizing these services.

Empowering Women and Girls through Knowledge and Access

When women and girls have access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and are equipped with the right knowledge, attitudes, and skills, they are better placed to make informed decisions. This includes decisions about marriage, birth control methods, and protecting themselves and their partners from risks such as STIs including HIV and AIDS.

Disruption through Innovation to Drive Real Impact

Achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights by 2030 requires collaboration among stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that dismantle barriers to access for women and girls. Partnerships across sectors, including governments, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities, are pivotal in addressing the complex challenges we face. In Kenya, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the United Nations in Kenya, the Government, and non-profit organization Tiko have collaborated to implement a development impact bond. This bond aims to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for adolescent girls, particularly those living in multidimensional poverty.

Outcome-based financing mechanisms, such as this development impact bond, have the potential to increase the availability and accessibility of quality services to adolescents, young people, and women at large. By ensuring healthcare systems are well-equipped to provide quality sexual and reproductive health services, accountability mechanisms and incentive structures can be put in place to reward certain quality standards.

Embracing Technology to Break Down Barriers

Technology-based innovations can reduce costs, increase access, and make services more responsive to the needs and desires of users. The successful implementation of the Development Impact Bond in Kenya is largely powered by technology. The Tiko platform provides adolescent girls with easy access to health services while allowing real-time management and adaptation of the program. Feedback from service users is immediately visible to managers, enabling continuous improvement of services. Tiko and the health facility are only paid for services once they have been delivered, placing incentives directly in the hands of the users.

The Tiko program involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and public health sector. This collaboration fosters learning and innovation through knowledge exchange and shared experiences to adapt to evolving needs and challenges.

A Commitment to Gender Equality

Access to sexual reproductive health services is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of gender equality. By ensuring that women and girls have control over their bodies, reproductive choices, and health outcomes, their full potential can be unlocked, contributing to broader social and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusion

Through innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, a future can be built where every woman and girl has the opportunity to lead a safe, healthy, and successful life. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a collective effort to empower women and girls, enabling them to fulfill their aspirations.

Hashtag: #TikoAfrica

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the need for improved access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls, highlighting the high rate of births to adolescent girls in Africa. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article mentions how laws, policies, and social stigma prevent teenage mothers from returning to school, resulting in lost potential. This relates to SDG 4, which focuses on providing quality education for all, including girls.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article emphasizes that access to sexual reproductive health services is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of gender equality. This connects to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships between various stakeholders to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services. This aligns with SDG 17, which focuses on promoting partnerships for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.

The article emphasizes the need for improved access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls, including family planning, information, and education. Achieving universal access to these services aligns with Target 3.7.

Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

The article highlights how laws, policies, and social stigma prevent teenage mothers from returning to school, resulting in lost potential. Ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality education aligns with Target 4.1.

Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.

The article emphasizes that access to sexual reproductive health services is a fundamental human right. Ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights aligns with Target 5.6.

Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

The article highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships between various stakeholders to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services. Encouraging and promoting effective partnerships aligns with Target 17.17.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:

Indicator 3.7.1: Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.

This indicator can measure progress towards Target 3.7, which aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning.

Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.

This indicator can measure progress towards Target 4.1, which focuses on ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.

Indicator 5.6.1: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.

This indicator can measure progress towards Target 5.6, which aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

This indicator can measure progress towards Target 17.17, which focuses on promoting effective

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: macaubusiness.com

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