Congo/ Sexual and digital health: a workshop to strengthen young people's knowledge and action
Health experts, public institutions, international partners, influencers, journalists and young leaders are taking part from August 19 to 22 in Brazzaville in a training workshop dedicated to responsible communication and the co-creation of content on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
Co-organized by the Ministry of Health and Population, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and the United Nations Population Fund (Unfpa)This forum for reflection and sharing is part of phase 2 of the O3 regional program "Our rights, our lives, our futures". The aim is to strengthen the capacity of players to inform, raise awareness and mobilize adolescents and young people in matters of sexual health, in a context where taboos persist, but where digital tools offer unprecedented opportunities.
In his opening remarks, Dr Urbain Lembemoko, Director of Vulnerable Populations, representing the Director of Population, recalled that " the health of young people and their rights in terms of SRH constitute a strategic challenge for the sustainable development of our country ". He stressed the need to unite efforts to reduce early pregnancies, combat HIV and protect adolescent girls from gender-based violence.
Among the innovations presented, the Hello Ado application took center stage. Developed with and for young people, it offers free, anonymous and secure access to reliable information, moderated chat and geolocation of health services. " We wanted to bridge the gap between young people and health services. Every button on the app was designed with them, for them. Today, we have over 115,000 downloads and a presence in 15 countries, including the Congo, with 2.7 million young people reached by our digital content by 2025," says Lamine Diop, Hello Ado regional project manager.The project's strength also lies in its partnerships with influencers and content creators, such as Sarah, Jojo la Légende and Colombe Kikudi, who, through the distribution of educational videos, enable us to reach a broad spectrum of Congolese youth.
An inclusive and educational approachfor a healthy future
For Unesco, co-organizer of the workshop, it is essential to go beyond tools to build a solid, inclusive educational framework. Brice Olivier Kamwa Ndjatang, the UN agency's deputy representative in Congo, emphasized that " behind the statistics lie lives turned upside down. Too many young girls become mothers before the age of 18, too many boys and girls are exposed to HIV. Reliable and appropriate information is the first barrier to protection. Investing in responsible communication means protecting the rights, future and well-being of our young people.
For Juliette Emmanuel, head of the O3 program in the Republic of Congo, the fight against taboos and misinformation requires training and co-creation: " Talking about sexuality is still taboo. The lack of information exposes our young people to major risks. The aim of this workshop is to produce clear, appropriate and accessible content so that every teenager can say: I have access to reliable information, I can make my own choices, I'm a player in my own future ", she stressed.
Over four days, participants will explore new pedagogical approaches, work in groups to develop content adapted to local realities, and reflect on inclusive campaigns. Beyond the training, a common vision is taking shape: a Congolese youth that is better informed, protected and active in its own development, thanks to the synergy between institutions, technologies and community involvement. This vision is in line with the five pillars of phase 2 of the O3 program: fostering a favorable institutional environment, improving the quality of education, empowering young people through digital technology, creating safe school and community spaces, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation based on reliable data.
Source: www.adiac-congo.com
