The Dwabo project, since its initiation, has undertaken a series of impactful activities to advance its objectives. One notable accomplishment involves the empowerment of 12 peer educators, extensively trained in sexual and reproductive health and rights education. These Peer Educators play a crucial role in raising SRHR awareness among Adolescent Girls and
Young Women (AGYW) in their respective communities, focusing on key aspects such as family planning, STI management, Condom use and antenatal services. Collaborative community sensitization initiatives, involving the project team, Peer Educators, and stakeholders like the Ghana Health Service and District Assemblies, have been instrumental in educating and empowering AGYW about their sexual and reproductive health. These efforts not only serve as a vital demand-generation strategy for Ghana Health Service’s services but also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of AGYW.
To monitor and support the ongoing progress of the project, regional advocacy meetings and bi-monthly visits to reproductive health and adolescent youth-friendly corners at community health centres have been implemented. These visits aim to identify and address challenges faced by Peer Educators, nurses, and AGYW regarding sexual and reproductive health service provision and accessibility. Additionally, the project has facilitated valuable experience-sharing sessions between older women and AGYW in communities, with the aim of providing a platform for the former to share insights into sexual and reproductive health. These sessions are particularly critical in reaching AGYW whose mothers might otherwise be hesitant to allow them to be educated on these crucial topics.
As the project advances, the remaining activities, including the training of community actors, religious and opinion leaders, and duty bearers, are vital for ensuring the sustainability of the project beyond its closure. Notably, the inclusion of Adolescent Boys and Young Men (ABYM) in this training is recommended by key stakeholders who recognize the significant influence these individuals have on the sexual and reproductive health of AGYW. Acknowledging this recommendation, the project team is committed to making its approaches comprehensive and inclusive by incorporating ABYM into the training programs. Below are the remaining outstanding activities scheduled for quarter one of 2024; Provide training for 20 community actors and religious leaders, Providing condoms to distribution outlets, Facilitate bi-annual review meetings with Peer Educators and Health workers, Conduct sensitisation sessions for AGYW on comprehensive SRHR, Facilitate learning/experience sharing sessions between AGYW and older women and Bi-monthly visits to the reproductive health units and adolescent friendly corners of the health facilities in project districts.