Background
South Sudan has a high fertility rate, low contraceptive prevalence and a high unmet need for family planning. Polygamy stands at 41% and 45% get married before they turn 18. HIV prevalence is 3% and HIV awareness is 15%. The maternal mortality rate is 2054 out of 100 000 births. The ongoing conflict in the country has made the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) situation worse and there is a need for increased access to SRHR information and services, especially for young people.

About the project
This project was created to increase the access to SRHR information and services for young people between 15-24 years in Juba and Nasir, in South Sudan. The project team targeted community leaders, health workers, parents, teachers and key stakeholders to improve their knowledge and push for a prioritization of SRHR services for youth. They also worked with two secondary schools and a training institution in Juba as well as a health centre and a camp for internally displaced people in Nasir, to educate youth and empower them with knowledge on SRHR.

Results
In Juba, 124 people (health workers, chiefs, teachers and students) have been educated on young people’s SRHR. 776 people have accessed family planning commodities and 450 community members participated in SRHR awareness trainings. In addition to this, two SRHR clubs have been formed in the two targeted secondary schools.

In Nasir, 87 people (peer educators and health service providers) have been educated on youths’ SRHR issues. 35 persons benefited from STI treatment at the targeted health centre and 358 people participated in sensitization workshops on young people’s SRHR. The project team also conducted an awareness campaign with youths’ SRHR messages, which reached 79 people.

Year: 2016