Media Urged to Amplify SRHR Awareness
… SAT partners with UNFPA to boost engagement ahead of World Contraception Day 2024
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia – (September 20, 2024) – The Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Africa Trust (SAT), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Zambia, has called on media representatives to play a more active role in promoting sexual and reproductive health rights.
This call was made during a media orientation workshop held today to enhance media engagement in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) discourse in Zambia.
Martin Silukena, Senior Programs Manager at SAT Zambia, told journalists that the organization is dedicated to connecting adolescents to quality health education, information, counseling, and services through partnerships, advocacy, and innovative approaches.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap in youth health by ensuring access to essential services, particularly for young people aged 10 to 24,” Silukena emphasized.
“We believe that by engaging the media, we can amplify the voices of young people and address the barriers they face, such as stigma and misinformation.”
Under the 9th Country Programme, SAT collaborates with UNFPA through the PoLISH WAY Programme, integrating SRHR, HIV, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response into national policies and accountability frameworks.
The initiative seeks to address the challenges facing young people in accessing essential health services and making informed decisions about their health.
The workshop serves as a prelude to World Contraception Day 2024, which is celebrated annually on September 26th.
This year’s commemoration will take place in Kafue District and will be graced by the Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima.
The event aims to raise awareness about contraceptives and ensure that health services are recognized as a universal right, bringing together district commissioners, council secretaries, Members of Parliament, and traditional leaders from Luapula, Eastern, and Southern provinces.
During the workshop, participants were oriented on the significance of World Contraception Day and the role of the media in advancing SRHR.
The objectives included enhancing knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, fostering media participation in coverage, and disseminating information on SRHR within the context of Universal Health Coverage.
“Media engagement is crucial in shaping public perception and generating demand for sexual and reproductive health services, including modern contraceptives,” Silukena noted.
“We need the media to help dispel myths about contraception and inform the public about their options. Your role in educating the public is vital, especially as we work to empower young people in health-related decisions.”
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders. “By working together—media, traditional leaders, and policymakers—we can create a supportive environment for young people to access health services.
It is essential to address the issues of teenage pregnancy and other health challenges faced by adolescents, particularly in regions like Luapula, Eastern, and Southern provinces.”
The event also highlighted the critical involvement of traditional leaders in community health promotion, recognizing their pledge to address key issues affecting youth.
According to the 2018 Zambia Demographic Health Survey, the teenage pregnancy rate stands at 29%, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and targeted interventions.
“Traditional leaders have a unique influence in their communities,” Silukena added.
“Their commitment to advancing health advocacy, particularly among adolescents and young people, is vital in our efforts to improve health outcomes.”
As SAT and its partners continue their work in SRHR advocacy, the organization reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts with the media, policymakers, and community leaders to ensure a comprehensive approach to health promotion.
“We are not just commemorating World Contraception Day; we are building a movement for better health and rights for all young people in Zambia,” Silukena concluded.
“With the media’s help, we can reach more people, change perceptions, and ultimately save lives.”
The media orientation workshop marks an essential step in bolstering national efforts to celebrate World Contraception Day, fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the health and well-being of Zambia’s youth.