Kilifi: Stakeholders in Kilifi County, led by Plan International organization in partnership with the County Government, have renewed efforts to end teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections and sexual abuse, calling for stronger collaboration to protect the health and future of the youth in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the campaign, dubbed End Triple Threat, was launched during celebrations to mark International Youth Day at Jaribuni in Kilifi on Wednesday. The initiative brought together government agencies and development partners in a coordinated effort to address the three most pressing threats facing the young people’s future. Officials stated that these challenges continue to impact the wellbeing, education, and socio-economic prospects of young people, with teenage pregnancies and sexual violence increasing the risk of HIV infection and other health complications.
Plan International Sexual and Reproductive Health Advisor Pauline Njoroge highlighted the campaign’s focus on translating existing partnerships into practical interventions to protect children and reduce their vulnerability to early pregnancy, HIV, and sexual and gender-based violence. Njoroge emphasized the collaboration with government agencies such as the Department of Children Services, the Department of Gender, and the Department of Health to prevent early pregnancies in Kilifi.
Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule acknowledged the county’s progress in reducing cases of teenage pregnancy and HIV but warned that these gains could be reversed if vigilance wanes. Chibule reflected on the exacerbation of the situation during the COVID-19 period and stressed the importance of continued community and government efforts to maintain the progress made.
The Deputy Governor also underscored the significant role of parents, urging them to remain actively involved in their children’s lives. Chibule emphasized that parental responsibility and guidance should be an ongoing process and praised the collaboration between administrators, security agencies, and communities in addressing practices contributing to early pregnancies.
Youth representative Nora Nyadzua stressed the need for communities to engage openly in discussions about adolescent sexual and reproductive health. She noted that cultural and religious sensitivities often hinder open dialogue, creating information gaps that leave young people unprotected. Nyadzua advocated for increased community-based sensitization and parental involvement, arguing that families are crucial in shaping young people’s decisions.
The stakeholders concluded that ending the Triple Threat requires more than isolated health interventions, urging communities to take a central role in prevention, early identification of risks, and protection of adolescents.
