UNFPA Tackles Sexual Health in Africa with Innovative Solutions

The International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) kicked off on Wednesday, December 3, with a focus on empowering young people to advocate for better sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policies and HIV prevention.

The opening session, held at the Accra International Conference Center, brought together youth delegates from across the continent to discuss effective communication strategies for driving lasting change in their communities.

Participants emphasized a problem-solving approach, highlighting the importance of understanding the human impact of SRH issues and proposing practical solutions. The UNFPA, in partnership with the African Society for the Fight Against AIDS (SAA) and other organizations, presented a framework for amplifying community voices.

This framework, known as “Problem – Human Impact – Solution,” aims to equip young advocates with the tools to translate local data into compelling stories. “The objective is to equip a large cohort of young delegates with a three-tool advocacy toolkit, a shared, practical, and immediately applicable tool to advance SRH and HIV policies,” stated Dr. Esther Somefun, a reproductive health and gender analyst at UNFPA Nigeria.

Dr. Somefun explained that the toolkit will enable young people to systematically collect data, craft impactful narratives for media and social networks, and develop policy briefs to influence decision-makers. “By the end of the session, participants should be able to use concrete tools to influence policies, amplify messages, and structure policy briefings for decision-makers,” she added.

The UNFPA plans to integrate this communication approach into youth capacity-building programs, training initiatives, and advocacy campaigns, ensuring messages resonate with lived experiences and inspire action. Winnie Tomonkoua of the AfriYAN Regional Office for West and Central Africa and CoulibalyZié Oumar, Media Specialist at REMAPSEN, also contributed to the session, introducing concepts of advocacy and communication for social change.

Beyond the immediate focus on communication, discussions also centered on African sovereignty and the need for increased domestic funding for health programs. Participants stressed that government commitment to allocating sufficient resources is crucial for the sustainability of these vital initiatives, particularly those targeting young people.

The first day of ICASA thus set the stage for a strategic dialogue, providing young delegates with practical tools and a platform to address critical health challenges facing the continent.

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