The sixth Annual Adolescent Conference emphasizes the need for greater involvement of youth in health policy implementation.
The sixth Annual Adolescent Conference concluded this weekend with a call from adolescents to government and civil society actors for greater accountability and inclusion in how sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programs are delivered.
The conference, held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Securing SRHR for Every Adolescent,” brought together over 200 adolescents and young people, policymakers, educators, civil society actors, and health professionals, among others, to reflect on how policies can better respond to adolescents’ realities.
In reference to the new Law Regulating Health Services, Sarah Asiimwe, an adolescent from Nyagatare District, stated that more needs to be done to ensure those laws and policies are disseminated countrywide if they are to translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
In August, the parliament approved a health-services law that allows adolescents aged 15 years and older to access sexual and reproductive health services, including contraceptives, without needing parental consent. “In this conference, many people continue to refer to the new law regulating health services. It sounds interesting, but we need to know more about it. Can we have sensitisation campaigns to support our communities to know how we can benefit from these laws?” she wondered.
Referring to the presentation by Rwanda Biomedical Center on “Defining the Next Five Years: Family Planning and Adolescent & Youth SRHR Strategy,” Asiimwe also called for the inclusion of adolescents in the budgeting process for sexual and reproductive health programs. She questioned the criteria used in developing a five-year budget and how adolescents are involved in that process. Asiimwe further inquired about the mechanisms in place to evaluate whether the services actually reach their intended beneficiaries.
Alfey Niyonkuru from Groupe Scolaire Gatunga in Gasabo District emphasized the need to assess teachers’ attitudes and effectiveness in delivering Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). “We often see teachers delivering sexuality education without providing adequate depth or context,” Niyinkuru said. “I would like to urge education authorities to evaluate how this subject is being taught and to consider regular capacity-building sessions for teachers.”
Princia Bella Arakaza, a youth participant representing refugee adolescents, called for the deployment of sign language interpreters in health facilities to ensure inclusion for adolescents with hearing and speech disabilities.
The Executive Director of Health Development Initiative (HDI), Aflodis Kagaba, applauded the government’s dedication to advancing adolescent health, promoting gender equality, and empowering youth. He emphasized that recent actions, including the passing of the law regulating health services, support for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) as well as youth-friendly services, reflect a strong policy commitment to building a resilient future that prioritizes young people’s health and rights.
“Through progressive policies and the passing of the Health Services Law, Rwanda is showing that when adolescents are healthy, informed, and empowered, the whole nation benefits,” he said.
The Deputy Director of RBC, Jeanne Umuhire, who was present at the conference, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving adolescent and youth health through transformative initiatives. She pointed to programs like Youth-Friendly Corners in health centers, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in schools, and the new Health Law as key steps in ensuring that young people can access care, accurate information, and support without fear or stigma.
“These efforts are not just about service delivery, they are about creating an environment where young people feel confident to seek help, ask questions, and take charge of their health,” she noted. She also encouraged youth to actively engage with the resources made available by the government and its partners, urging them to use these platforms to challenge harmful social norms, push for better access, and lead innovations that meet their peers’ real needs.
The Coordinator of the Karongi Youth Center, Aime Niyonagize, highlighted that gatherings such as the Annual Adolescent Conference provide powerful learning platforms to improve young people’s knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and support them to voice their challenges. “This conference taught us a lot not just about SRHR, but also how to advocate effectively and support adolescents, especially girls. I hope similar efforts can reach rural districts like ours so that no young person is left behind,” he said.
The first annual adolescent conference was organised in 2019.
Key Points
- Adolescents demand greater accountability in SRHR programming.
- New health law allows adolescents 15+ to access services without parental consent.
- Call for inclusion of youth in budgeting for health programs.
- Need for improved Comprehensive Sexuality Education delivery.
- Advocacy for sign language interpreters in health facilities.
Sources: Adolescents call for accountability, inclusion in sexual and reproductive health programming