Background: Recent research suggests that young persons who abuse substances are more likely to be victims of sexual and gender-based violence (females are more at risk), engage in unprotected sex, have inconsistent use of condoms, have prior unsafe abortions, experience symptoms of STIs, and have unmet needs for modern contraceptives. This is attributed to the limited knowledge about SRHR, and discrimination against young girls and boys with SUDs leading to poor SRH services-seeking behavior. Tubman High and Paynesville Community Schools were selected due to the high numbers of students who reported to be involved in the use of psychoactive substance and the availability of existing school-based clinics.

About the project: The project sought to reduce the harmful use of substances associated with limited knowledge on SRHR among young people with substance use disorders in Bernard farm community, Tubman High, and Paynesville Community schools. The project worked towards awareness creation on SRHR among young people with SUDs, reduce stigma and discrimination and negative attitudes among service providers towards young people with SUDs as well as promote and increase access to SRH services among young people with SUDs.

Results: 260 Adolescents got better understanding of SRHR and where to access SRH services. 771 youth accessed SRHR services in Barners’ Farm Community and the two schools.