Youth Reproductive Health in Ethiopia

This report is based on an in-depth analysis of the 2000 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Funding for this study comes from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. FOREWORD Young people constitute one-third of the total population in Ethiopia. Their number is expected to grow from 20.3 million in 2000 to 25 million in 2010. The reproductive health problems of young people in Ethiopia are multifaceted and interrelated. Childbearing begins at an early age: 45 percent of the total births in the country occur among adolescent girls and young women. Sexual violence and commercial sex work have become common phenomena among young girls. As a result, they have become primary victims of the HIV/AIDS crisis that has spread throughout the country. In general, young people are at high risk for reproductive health problems. The situation is aggravated by the overall poor socioeconomic environment and harmful traditional practices. Because of the complex nature of the problems, youth reproductive health strategies demand a multisectoral and integrated approach. Young people have limited access to reproductive health services that focus on the special needs of adolescents. Inadequate knowledge about adolescent sexual behavior, cultural influences, and the limited capacity of implementers hinder the provision of reproductive health education and services to young people. It is therefore essential to have data on the extent of adolescent sexual activity and contraceptive use, pregnancy rates, and other reproductive health issues in order to have a clear understanding of the situation. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation sponsored a national conference on adolescent reproductive health (ARH) services in November 2000. The aim of this conference was to have a common understanding of the ARH issues in Ethiopia and to identify priorities and areas of focus for action. Since then, the Foundation has allocated a significant proportion of its funds for improving the reproductive health situation of adolescents in the country. Today, with the support of the Foundation, more than half a million young Ethiopians have access to appropriate reproductive health information and services throughout the country; over 80 youth clubs address the reproductive health needs of youths; Marie Stopes International and the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia provide youth-friendly services in 11 youth-friendly clinics and educational centers. Save the Children USA operates a school-based reproductive health program in all the 27 government high schools of Addis Ababa. Because of its success, the program has become a model for …