AfriYAN Ethiopia participated in a youth focused consultation on the revision of Ethiopia’s Adolescent and Youth Health Strategy (2026 to 2030), contributing to national efforts to strengthen youth responsive health policies and services.
Key highlights
• Focus: Revision of Ethiopia Adolescent and Youth Health Strategy 2026 to 2030
• Participation: Youth representatives from diverse regions
• Stakeholders: Ministry of Health, National AYH Council, CORHA, and partners
• Approach: Presentations, group discussions, and feedback sessions
Opening and key messages
The consultation opened with remarks from key stakeholders, setting the tone for meaningful youth engagement. Dr Gemechu, President of the National Adolescent and Youth Health Council, highlighted progress in youth inclusion and encouraged active participation.
Ato Motuma from the Ministry of Health emphasized existing gaps in youth health literacy and called for improvements in accessibility, service quality, and stronger multisectoral collaboration. Ato Mekonnen from CORHA also welcomed participants and stressed the importance of awareness, ownership, and meaningful youth participation in shaping the strategy.
Presentations and discussions
A comprehensive presentation on the Adolescent and Youth Health Strategy was delivered, highlighting the importance of engaging young people as key stakeholders in policy design and implementation. Discussions focused on critical challenges including SRHR, mental health, gender based violence, and equitable access to quality services, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Participants engaged in group discussions and surveys, providing practical feedback and identifying key challenges. Recommendations included strengthening youth friendly services, improving provider attitudes, expanding mental health support, enhancing digital health solutions, and ensuring greater inclusion of marginalized communities.
Digital innovation and reflection
The consultation also featured a session on a mobile application designed to improve access to youth friendly SRHR information and services. The platform includes learning modules, service directories, private chat, and privacy features.
Participants appreciated the accessibility and inclusive design, while also suggesting improvements such as enhanced interactivity, better navigation, and more engaging content to strengthen user experience.
Closing and way forward
The consultation concluded with remarks emphasizing the importance of sustained youth engagement, expert input, and capacity building. Participants were encouraged to use the Adolescent and Youth Health Strategy as a practical tool to drive impact within their communities and contribute to long term national development goals.
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