My name is Evelyn Namaiko, and I am from Zambia. I am a young and passionate advocate for sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and mental health. I had an incredible experience at the Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA) workshop held from 14-18 October 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The workshop brought together diverse representatives from the Education and Health Ministries across Eastern and Southern Africa. We explored collaborative pathways to enhance adolescent health and well-being alongside global and regional agencies, including WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and SADC.
My heart truly lies at the intersection of these fields. Through my work in project management and human-centred design, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with various organisations in Zambia to deliver psychological first aid and implement programs tailored for youth.
Two themes particularly resonated with me during this workshop. One was the Global Action for Measurement of Adolescent Health (GAMA), which emphasises collecting and utilising data effectively to inform our strategies. The second was the transition from AA-HA 1.0 to 2.0, elegantly presented by Dr. Prerna Banati from WHO. This transition is not just about evolving programs; it’s about understanding how to better serve our youth through targeted initiatives.
During group discussions, we were split into countries of origin. We uncovered some critical gaps in Zambia, such as the lack of disaggregated data for specific adolescent age groups and limited knowledge about adolescent mortality rates and mental health challenges.
We spoke at length about how we can leverage networks like the UNITED! Movement to address these gaps. We plan to engage young people in initiatives supported by organisations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and UNFPA to ensure that Zambian adolescents are not only represented or have spaces in decision-making but are actively involved in shaping the programs that affect their lives.
One of the most inspiring moments came during the UNITED! Movement panel discussion, where I was uplifted by stories of how young leaders in various communities are making a difference. Hearing their experiences reminded me of the resilience and creativity in youth activism.
Participating in the workshop reinforced the vital role of collaboration and youth engagement in improving health outcomes. It also provided a fresh perspective on adolescent programming, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted needs of young people. I left the event feeling energised and determined. There is a way to make policies inclusive, there is a way to make programs youth-centred, and there is a way to do more.
As I reflect on these insights, I am committed to finding ways to integrate those lessons into my work. My goal is to advocate for integrated programming that considers every aspect of adolescents' well-being. By focusing on a holistic approach, we can ensure that no young person feels overlooked or unsupported.
This workshop powerfully reminded us of the impact that advocacy, collaboration, and youth engagement can have. By amplifying young people's voices and working together, we can make tangible progress in improving the health and well-being of adolescents across Africa.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the UNITED! Movement, led by Y+ Global and AfriYAN, with the support of UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNAIDS East and Southern Africa Regional Offices. Because of this engagement, I am returning home with inspiration and lessons to help improve the lives of adolescents and young people in Zambia and beyond.