The Ministry of Health is finalizing the development of a guide that seeks to provide parents and caregivers with comprehensive and accurate information on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in the face of emerging threats facing the age group.
Dubbed, understanding adolescents, a guide for parents and caregivers; the handbook is meant to equip Parents and Caregivers with relevant knowledge to effectively provide guidance that is responsive to the needs of today’s adolescent.
According to Mary Magubo, the Social and Behavioural Change and communications coordinator at the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health, the guide is in line with the National Reproductive Health Policy (2022 – 2032) which aims at improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes in the country.
“The Ministry recognizes that insufficient access to comprehensive and accurate information about Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) for parents and caregivers has significant and far-reaching consequences.” Noted Magubo.
Though the country appears to be making progress in reducing the national prevalence of FGM, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence, concern remains over current rates with the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 key indicators report revealing that teenage pregnancy rates remain at 15 percent in the country.
Magubo says the development of the guide, which is spearheaded by the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health, has benefited from a wealth of knowledge drawn from various stakeholder groups.
The guide covers a host of topics ranging from adolescent sexual and reproductive health, communicating with adolescents, career choices, social media, harmful practices, nutrition, personal hygiene and grooming to mental health and life skills.
