Digital platform launched to help youth access reproductive health information

A website to help Kenyan youth access reproductive health services and information easily has been launched in Nairobi.

The platform, Life Yangu, is a programme by German organisations Deutsche Stiftung Welbevolkerung (DSW) and the pharmaceutical organisation Bayer Pharma.

The platform was made possible through the input of various organisations in Kenya that advocate for Youth Reproductive Health Rights and young people as well.

Rosemary Muganda, from health organisation PATH, said that the website was a call to action after being challenged by Health Cabinet Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi in 2020.

“During the World Contraceptive Health Day in 2020, CAS Mwangangi said digital solutions are a great way for reaching the youth so we embarked on the journey to make it possible,” she said.

Muganda said that Life Yangu is designed to bridge the information gap that exists between young people and reproductive health information.

This information gap is brought about by the youth’s perception of stigma and discrimination when they want to access reproductive health services at different health facilities.

Evelyn Samba, Country Director of DSW said that the platform is a space where young people can find credible information on reproductive health services from sources like the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Health and other experts.

“As they look for information on reproductive health, they can find this space where there is accurate and appropriate information because young people have that opportunity to get information anywhere but is it really accurate?”

“With Life Yangu, their questions and concerns can be dealt with, giving them information in the palm of their hands,” she added.

Dr Frank Strelow, Head of sustainability at Bayer Pharma said that there are a lot of platforms such as Life Yangu out there but none of them had that youth element in them.

“All of them seem to be missing that youth engagement, that government engagement or that community engagement but I’m glad that Life Yangu has all of them,” he said.

He said that he is hopeful that the platform will reach many young people in the country and even beyond.