Youth and adolescents from Burat Ward in Isiolo County have benefited from a community-driven campaign, aimed at reducing rampant cases of teenage pregnancies in the area.

A sexual and reproductive health educator Francisca Akope in the ministry of health says teenage pregnancy incidence in the region are on the rise, necessitating intervention was necessary to curb the situation.

 She revealed that Isiolo was among the leading counties in the country with the national prevalence standing at 17 per cent. Akope noted that pregnancies among girls aged between 10 and 14 have also increased, making it necessary to create new ways of reaching out to younger adolescents.

The initiative, spearheaded by the ministry of health in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, integrates reproductive health education with social and sporting activities at the village level.

Akope added that through partnerships with non-government organisations like Mercy Corps and MID-P, the ministry of health was able to train healthcare providers on how to target vulnerable youth through reproductive sexual health education.

She said the training also addressed other subjects that affect young people, including drug abuse, insecurity and nutrition, ensuring that participants gain a broader range of life skills. One of the organisers, Fatuma Ismail explained that sports have proven particularly effective in reaching young people.

“Football tournaments attract large crowds of youth, especially boys, who are equally vulnerable to risky behaviours and offer opportunity for such sensitisation,” Ismael observed.

“These events give health workers an opportunity to interact with the youth, provide guidance and counselling, and where necessary, refer them to health facilities,” she added.

A Community Health Promoter Janet Cherono from Leparua location said the program is already transforming lives. She noted that young people are being equipped with knowledge in nutrition, sexual and reproductive health and financial literacy.

Cherono revealed that many youths had formed Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), allowing them to save and access credit for income-generating activities. She said the youth education had significantly reduced their involvement in livestock theft, which was once a common happening in the area.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By David Nduro