Govt. committed to uphold sexual reproductive health right of youth

Govt. committed to uphold sexual reproductive health right of youth

 

Lusaka, December 5, ZANIS–Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that the sexual reproductive health rights of the adolescents and youths are upheld.

 

Sports and Youth Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga said young people need to be fully aware of their sexual reproductive health rights and the existing options.

 

Mr. Mulenga said it was in this vein that government has introduced the sexual reproductive information in primary schools to enable young people make positive choices.

 

He further said government was closely working with other cooperating partners to ensure that youth friendly sexual reproductive health services and information was provided in all the youth resources centres and the surrounding communities.

The Deputy Minister was speaking in Lusaka today when he officially opened a two days pre-symposium on youth and adolescents reproductive health information and services.

 

The pre-symposium, which is being held under the theme, “Act now”, is a joint Zambian government and the United Nations system supported programme and has attracted over 2,000 youths from across Africa.

 

Mr. Mulenga has since urged the youth to ensure that they speak out and bring out matters that will help to provide guidance to leaders in their respective countries.

 

And United Nations Population Fund Deputy Representative Chinwe Ogbonna praised African countries for the progress made towards addressing the development needs of adolescents and young people.

 

Ms. Ogbonna reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations systems to work with young people both in Zambia and the African regions in exploring their potential.