Reproductive Health Network Kenya, Ministry of Health set to host 8th Pan-African Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR) Conference
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 23 – The Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) in partnership with Ministry of Health (MoH) will host the 8th Pan-African Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSHR) Scientific Conference in June 24-27th 2025 at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort, Mombasa.
The conference is expected to bring together more than 1,000 delagates from over 30 countries including representatives from Government, Academia, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), private sector, Youth-led and International organizations for dialogue to on reproductive issues that directly affect young people and adolescents who are a critical segment of our population.
Director General, National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) Mohamed Sheikh in his speech said Kenya and Africa more broadly is under pressure from several interlinked forces including rapid population growth, climate change, environmental degradation and continuing gaps in access to sexual and reproductive health services these pressures are particularly acute for adolescents and young people, who often find themselves without the resources or support they need to thrive.
“We need to place adolescent and youth reproductive health and rights where they belong at the heart of our national priorities, right now, our youth those between the ages of 10 and 24 make up 35 percent of Kenya’s population that’s more than a third of our people they are energetic, ambitious and full of ideas but they are also vulnerable.” Said Mohamed.
According to the latest Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, one in five women between the ages of 15 and 49 has an unmet need for family planning with teenage pregnancy remaining a major issue, affecting one in six girls between 15 and 19.
Many young people still don’t have access to the kind of comprehensive sexuality education or youth-friendly health services that could make meaningful and impactful difference in their lives.
“This isn’t just a health problem It’s a development problem, When adolescents lack the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about their health and future, the cost is not just personal it’s national. We all lose out. As a society. As an economy. As a nation.”
The upcoming 8th Pan-African Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Conference is a platform for action, A place where voices from across Africa will come together to share what’s working and what’s not, explore new innovations and strengthen coalitions across sectors and regions.
“This is where youth voices will take center stage in reproductive health policy dialogue, it will be the place of convergence for like minds to call for renewed political commitment and greater investment in family planning and reproductive health and align our national priorities with continental frameworks like Agenda 2063 and global targets like the Sustainable Development Goals.” He added.
He further noted that Kenya’s future will be shaped by the choices they make for youth today adding that It’s time to move away from fragmented and siloed approaches to integrated, evidence-based, people-centered solutions.
“Let us make the rights and needs of our adolescents and youth the foundation of our development agenda not just in Kenya, but across the continent.”
RHNK Executive Director, Nelly Munyasia highlighted the conference’s broader mission. “The 8th RHNK Pan-African AYSRHR Conference is a rallying point for Africa’s youth and those who work alongside them,” she said.
“We’re building a united front to ensure every young person has access to the health services, education, and support they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.”
