Policy Implementation and Performance of HIV Prevention Projects.

Abstract

According to the most recent data from government agencies and media reports on the sexual escapades and drug and alcohol abuse by Kenyan youths, it is evident that teenagers are faced with major challenges that require urgent attention. Failure to address these concerns may position Kenya in an irredeemable state with a lost generation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescents are young people aged between 10 and 19 years. As it was underscored during this research this population is often forgotten in development discussions where more emphasis may be placed on children and youth in general. Adolescents comprise 24% of Kenya's population. This large population has implications on the country's health and development agenda and is likely to place increasing demands on the provision of services. There is little doubt that a large population of healthy, welleducated and fully empowered adolescents is a valuable national asset and, indeed, one of the key ingredients for the achievement of the demographic dividend. However, if we reflect upon the situation in Kenya today, adolescents are one of the most vulnerable subpopulations. The lack of monitoring, learning and evaluation mechanisms for programmes aimed at benefiting young people has been a barrier to effective implementation of interventions. Despite advancements for adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes, the latest data indicate a persistent high need for services. For example, more than 25% of young women are married by 18, increasing their likelihood of having children at an early age. Nearly 33% of young married women have an unmet need for family planning, meaning they wish to delay childbearing, but are not using any method of contraception, and are at risk for having an unintended pregnancy. Good health and other physical, moral, and intellectual development outcomes are often mutually reinforcing. For example, healthy children do better in school. Similarly, having more years of schooling provides essential information and skills that are linked to more protective and less risky behaviours. There is also strong evidence that peers and parents are influential in shaping gender norms and attitudes. There is some evidence that schools and teachers also shape norms and attitudes. Evidence on the influence of the media is beginning to emerge. This study focused on understanding and proposing solutions to improved implementation of health promotion projects targeting adolescents in Kenya.

According to the most recent data from government agencies and media reports on the sexual escapades and drug and alcohol abuse by Kenyan youths, it is evident that teenagers are faced with major challenges that require urgent attention. Failure to address these concerns may position Kenya in an irredeemable state with a lost generation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescents are young people aged between 10 and 19 years. As it was underscored during this research this population is often forgotten in development discussions where more emphasis may be placed on children and youth in general. Adolescents comprise 24% of Kenya's population. This large population has implications on the country's health and development agenda and is likely to place increasing demands on the provision of services. There is little doubt that a large population of healthy, welleducated and fully empowered adolescents is a valuable national asset and, indeed, one of the key ingredients for the achievement of the demographic dividend. However, if we reflect upon the situation in Kenya today, adolescents are one of the most vulnerable subpopulations. The lack of monitoring, learning and evaluation mechanisms for programmes aimed at benefiting young people has been a barrier to effective implementation of interventions. Despite advancements for adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes, the latest data indicate a persistent high need for services. For example, more than 25% of young women are married by 18, increasing their likelihood of having children at an early age. Nearly 33% of young married women have an unmet need for family planning, meaning they wish to delay childbearing, but are not using any method of contraception, and are at risk for having an unintended pregnancy. Good health and other physical, moral, and intellectual development outcomes are often mutually reinforcing. For example, healthy children do better in school. Similarly, having more years of schooling provides essential information and skills that are linked to more protective and less risky behaviours. There is also strong evidence that peers and parents are influential in shaping gender norms and attitudes. There is some evidence that schools and teachers also shape norms and attitudes. Evidence on the influence of the media is beginning to emerge. This study focused on understanding and proposing solutions to improved implementation of health promotion projects targeting adolescents in Kenya.