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Herald Reporter
Enhancing youth leadership skills can play an important role in addressing problems facing young people in Africa in the area of sexual and reproductive health, a public health expert says.
Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development director Sara Page-Mtongwiza told participants at a three-day African Youth Activists Network (AYAN) seminar that sharing experiences, information and essential skills would help to strengthen and shape the future of the youth on the continent.

“Enhancing youth leadership capacity and in particular lobby and advocacy skills is a critical catalyst in addressing the myriad of challenges facing African young people in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights today,” she said.
She said the provision of platforms that enabled young people to hone their leadership skills and share ideas would help them to take charge and secure their future.

“I am an ardent believer of the principles of sustainable development which is not possible without advancing the agenda of young people, recognising their rights and allowing them space to be heard and contribute to shaping their own tomorrow,” she said.

Globally over 11,8 million youth are infected with HIV between the ages of 15-24 and 3 000 youths are infected with the virus daily according to the 2013 UNAids report.
The seminar attracted participants from five southern African countries as well as Brazil and Sweden.