Access to reproductive health services
4 November 2022
The reproductive health project led by CHASE Africa and The Maa Trust (TMT) takes place in Narok County in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya. The Talek youth friendly center (TYFC) was completed in November 2021 and is fully functional. It promotes access to youth-friendly reproductive health knowledge, information, and services.
In the last 6 months of 2022, 39 out-of-school youths and adolescents received psychosocial support at the TYFC with an accredited youth counsellor. 600 children have been made aware of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) through child rights clubs.
Youth Peer Mentors (YPMs) mentors conducted adolescence reproductive health talks in four different schools where 258 students were reached with information and guidance on menstrual hygiene, general health, services at the TYFC and the role of youth and adolescent in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). The YPMs continue to sensitize, support and mentor the youth, facilitating workshops to create awareness in villages reaching a total of 728 youths. Topics discussed included Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, early marriages and child rights. Since inception, the program has reached 2,469 students. In addition, 12 girls who were under 18 years of age received family planning services at the TYFC. 30 young mothers also received antenatal and postnatal care at the TYFC.
In April 2022, TMT coordinated a large awareness event focusing on FGM, and children’s rights at an Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP) Event. 73 girls graduated at this event that was attended by more than 700 community members. The event was well received by all stakeholders and participants. 96% of people interviewed after the event were very happy to have been a part of this advocacy day.
