Background: Adolescents face many challenges, of which teenage pregnancy is the major problem in Zambia (CSO, 2018) causing health and social problems for both the mother and child. The prevalence of adolescent pregnancies in Zambia is 29% (ZDHS 2018). There are 16,000 adolescents dropping out of school due to pregnancies (ZDHS 2013-2014). Based on Zambia demographic health survey (ZDHS 2018 report), only 40.5% of the girls aged 15-19 years and 38% boys aged 15-19 years had knowledge on HIV prevention hence predisposing this age group at risk of acquiring HIV.

About the project: The project aimed at increasing accessibility of SRHR services by adolescents and young people at Chinsali (Chinsali District Hospital, Kapasa Makasa University Clinic and Nambuluma Rural Health Centre), Kapata clinic in Chipata and Maamba hospital affiliated centre in Zambia. The project worked towards increasing SRHR knowledge levels among adolescents and young people (15-24 years) and ensuring access to youth friendly SRHR services.

Results: There was increased knowledge and skills in family planning, comprehensive abortion care, comprehensive sexuality education, surgical procedure and SRHR among 31 health workers and 20 peer educators. There was increased provision of adolescent youth friendly SRHR at Kapata clinic and Maamba General Hospital Affiliated Clinic. There was introduction of safe abortion services at Kapasa Makasa University Clinic. There was reduced teenage pregnancies from 438 in quarter one to 176 in quarter one of 2021.