SHARP at AHAIC2025

Well, if you missed the #AHAIC2025YouthSummit, then you missed quite a bit as day one of the ongoing AMREF #AHAIC2025 was buzzing with the GenZ energy with popular music being played. You know the one by Kendrick Lamar , 'Not like Us'? That one made the MH4 room that hosted delegates from over 25 African countries light up.

Just a quick wrap up on the discussions:

The Solutions for Supporting Healthy Adolescents Rights and Protection (SHARP) project, supported by the European Union and implemented by the EANNASO Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) , Faith to Action Network , @MedRap, Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion , and @Cafco RDC under the guidance of Health Action International , allowed us to attend AHAIC in Kigali, Rwanda.

The conversation featured a discussion on personal journeys and societal challenges, particularly in Africa. Dr. Githinji Gitahi shared his background from rural Kenya, emphasising the importance of social justice and public health, which are influenced by childhood experiences. The session, moderated by Bitania Lulu Berhanu , discussed the significance of making decisions, even with doubts, and the metaphor of preserving one's "queen" in life (like in chess). The conversation also touched on the importance of education and health for human capital, the high dependency ratio in Africa, and the need for innovative solutions and policy changes to address these issues. Dr Gitahi stressed the potential of African youth and the necessity of removing structural violence to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth.

"Look not at the next election but at the next generation". Source: Dr. Githinji Gitahi

When I asked Dr Gitahi what his message would be for policymakers when it came to making sexual and reproductive health commodities and services accessible to women and girls as we are about to commemorate "International Women's Day" 2025, these were his two cents:

So Dr. Githinji Gitahi , "What would be your thoughts around "policy and financing to improve access to family planning for adolescent girls in Africa?" His response:

1. We need to reiterate the need to remove structural violence through government policies and investments in education and health.
2. It is time for politicians to focus on the next generation rather than the next election.
3. We ought to combine reproductive health with economic policies to build a prosperous future for Africa.

In a nutshell, key actionable points from the discussion were:

1. Advocating for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create more job opportunities for young people.
2. Investing in yourself and being innovative to redefine your thinking and create solutions rather than waiting for the government.
3. Engaging with policymakers to remove structural barriers and create an enabling environment for innovations and entrepreneurship to succeed.

Did you know that the International Women's Day 2025 is on the 8th March?

“Ask for opportunities and if you are passionate enough you will be able to do great work.” Desta Lakew Source: AHAIC2025

We asked the Group Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at Amref Desta Lakew for her parting shots for the rural adolescent girl who could not travel to the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) to listen to the panel live. Desta's advice was that young women should pursue their dreams and be resilient. This was during the Fishbowl Q&A session that was hosted by Tarek Ezzine , a Junior Climate Negotiator from Tunisia, with the panelists being Desta Lakew and Ilwad Elmi Mohamed from the African Union .

The discussion brought to light the vital role of youth in shaping public health in Africa, particularly in advocating for increased domestic health financing. Key topics included the significance of wellness, tackling both communicable and non-communicable diseases, and empowering young people to influence health policies. The conversation also celebrated the resilience of women, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations and build connections. Additionally, challenges in policy implementation, the need for improved reporting and resource allocation, and the role of community health bodies and CSOs in delivering accurate information were highlighted, with a strong focus on the African Union convention on ending violence against women and girls.

What about the SHARP Adolescent Champion?

Our representative from the Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion participated in the #AHAIC2025YouthSummit, where Grace they engaged with key health sector leaders dedicated to prioritizing adolescent girls' health through various initiatives. Among them was H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o, the First Lady of Kisumu County and mother of Lupita Nyong'o .

Heard of the SHARP project?

SHARP, funded by the European Union , sets out to improve the health and well-being of adolescents in the Great Lakes Region (Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia) and address religious and cultural barriers young people face in accessing quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and family planning services.

To summarize the #AHAICYouthSummit, I would use the word "Wow"

Mastercard Foundation Grand Challenges Canada Amref International University (AMIU) The Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD) Rodrick Mugishagwe DENIS BWANA Linda Kakolwa Health Action International Robert Shaita Athewa Liyoka Liyoka Faith to Action Network Vivian Milenga Phidiliah Rose Mwaambi Irene Alenga KABANYANA Nooliet Manasseh Chege Abrar Sheikh Mohammad Rajshankar Ghosh Dr Nhlanhla Thwala Raji Tajudeen