A conversation with SRHR Africa Trust (SAT), CSOs, Nurses Association, Progressive Doctors Association and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.
By Patricia Mashiri
Sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are one of the key issues in the discussion on the health rights of adolescents.
Speaking during a round table discussion hosted by SRHR Africa Trust (SAT), Mrs Hamida Ismail- Mauto the SRHR Country Operations Manager said there was need to use a multi-sectoral approach in making sure that adolescents access SRHR services. Onset of sexual activity during adolescence is now common, however access to SRHR services is very limited.
We need to work together to eliminate teenage pregnancies, child marriages, curb the spread of HIV and Sexual Transmission Infections which have been on the rise among adolescents. Providing adolescents with comprehensive SRH information, education and services has life-long protective benefits,” said Mrs Mauto.
She added that when adolescents seek health services, they want just that a ‘health service’ and not an ‘aunt’.
Enock Dongo, the Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association said they are in support of adolescent access to sexual reproductive health and that there is need to include SRHR education in health care professionals curriculum.
“We have seen a lot of organizations hosting many workshops for health workers on how to handle issues to do with adolescents, but because of our attrition rate we have a lot of nurses resigning, some going out of the country, some to other professions. We have heard the outcry by adolescents and want to lobby together with partners that all those major issues relating to adolescents SRHR to be included in the nurses curriculum.
“People have different views as far as SRH is concerned and professionally what we know and what we encourage our members to do is to work within the legislation of the country. Everyone should be able to discharge their duties ethically and professionally,” said Dongo.
Meanwhile, Dr Benson Dandira, President Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe mentioned that times are changing and everyone needs to be educated on the SRHR needs of adolescents.
“There are social and religious issues coming in but organizations should come in while maintaining the good ethos of our culture/religion and advocate for adolescents access to SRHR and the well being of adolescents. We need to work on barriers that inhibit adolescents medical care, said Dr Dandira.
Munyaradzi Chimwara, Leader COMPASS Zimbabwe,who is also part of the Age of Consent Taskforce mentioned that the legal frameworks need to be harmonized to promote adolescents access to health services.
