Staff writer
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has implored Government to institute mechanisms of empowering the youths who are being left out in issues of education, health, economic and social well-being.
In a statement to mark the World Population Day, CWGH said the youths lack basic health and education provisions and therefore are marginalised.
“As Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world celebrating the World Population Day, the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) takes the opportunity to emphasize the importance of informing and empowering our youths for the attainment of better health social outcomes for national development.
We take cognizance that empowering youths is not merely a social responsibility but a strategic investment for the future of our society, national development and economic prosperity”,said CWGH.
“Global demographics show that Africa has the world’s youngest population, and in Zimbabwe, 67% are under 30. This means that by investing in their education, health, economic and social well-being, the nation can harness their energy, creativity, and innovation to address pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, social and health crises.
Meanwhile, many Zimbabwean youths lack access to a number of basic provisions including information, general health, comprehensive sexuality education and reproductive health services, leading to higher rates of avoidable ill health, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
They are generally under represented and excluded from socioeconomic and developmental initiatives despite constituting a significant proportion of the population with the potential to transform the nation’s social and economic trajectory.
“A huge percentage of them remain unemployed, are out of school, not meaningfully engaged and particularly vulnerable to substance abuse, among other social ills, which can have long-lasting effects on their health and development.”
CWGH said it was imperative that government must institute interventions that empower the youths.
“The CWGH believes that it is crucial to address these health, social, economic and related challenges through targeted interventions that empower young people to take charge of their health, economic and social well-being.
This includes providing them with the opportunities, knowledge, skills, support systems and resources necessary to access services and make informed decisions.
“Furthermore, we underscore the critical value of comprehensive sexuality education, access to mental health services, and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, soci-economic and climate resilience as essential components of making today’s youths able to navigate the complexities of their health, socioeconomic landscapes and be capacitated to make choices that lead to healthier and secure futures.”
CWGH said youths must be given an opportunity to participate in health initiatives and policies must be effected to ensure that their voices are heard.
“Looking at the watershed moment the world is at, with wars, disease and various transitions including the recent funding ‘tsunami’ epidemiological shifts and climate change, the CWGH emphasizes that the youth participation in health initiatives is vital for creating effective and sustainable solutions.
Engaging young people in the design and implementation of community and national health programs ensures that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
“This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among youth, encouraging them to advocate for their health and the health of their peers.
Their voices must be heard in decision-making processes at all levels. It is important to create platforms for youth engagement, ensuring that they have a seat at the table when it comes to policies that affect their lives.
“By fostering an environment where young people can express their opinions and advocate for their rights, they are empowered to shape their futures and the futures of their communities.
It is critical to empower young people by providing them with platforms to express their views and contribute to health, social and economic policy discussions.
This can be in form youth-led forums and workshops that focus on critical health and social issues, allowing young people to share their experiences and propose solutions. These programs not only provide essential information but also create safe spaces for young people to discuss their health concerns openly.”
Zimbabwe yesterday (11 July) joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Population Day under the theme:’Empowering Youth, Sharing Futures’.