Early Intervention for Effective Prevention

On October 9, 2007, EngenderHealth co-hosted a consultative meeting with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to discuss the specific needs of segmented youth populations between the ages of 10 and 14 (including in/out-of-school youth, married/unmarried youth, rural/urban youth and migrant youth by sex and age).  The meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together over 45 representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Save the Children US, Population Council, Eshet, UNFPA, Hiwot, PACT, and many others.  The meeting received regional and national media attention.

Participants examined existing policies and programs and identified gaps at both levels, specifically the implementation of targeted strategies to reach large numbers of 10-14 year olds with sustainable programs. The group focused on interventions to help prevent unwanted social and health outcomes, such early marriage, early and unwanted pregnancy and HIV infection.  The meeting concluded with a consensus Call to Action for earlier and more targeted policies and programs specifically oriented to the needs of 10-14 year olds.

Documentation from the meeting is available for downloading, below.

• Overview (PDF, 32kb)
  
• Background Paper (PDF, 2.5mb)
• Agenda (PDF, 44kb)
  
• Meeting Report (PDF, 2.6mb)
  
• Presentations
  • Review of the social context and particular vulnerabilities affecting the lives of 10-14 year olds (PowerPoint, 68kb)
  • Why Prioritize Ethiopian 10-14 Year Olds? (PowerPoint, 9.7mb)
  • “Men As Partners” To Boys And Girls As Partners: Towards Positive Gender Role Formation (PowerPoint, 2.6mb)
  • Making Life Skills “Fun” Through Combining Drama And Dance With Education (PowerPoint, 804kb)
  • Eshet Children and Youth Unity Association Ethiopia – ECYUA/Ethiopia (PowerPoint, 3.1mb)
  • Addressing the Needs of Young Married & Unmarried Adolescents in Rural Settings (PowerPoint, 6.9mb)
  • Working with Young Youth: INSYGHT Program Experience (PowerPoint, 13.5mb)
    
• Press Release (PDF, 48kb)
  
• Press Coverage: NGO Says Policies Ignore 10-14 Year Olds (AllAfrica.com)
  
• Segment Risk Table (PDF, 40kb)
  
• Video of Mogomotsi "Supreme" Mfalapitsa's song, "Peace and Love"
• Participant List (PDF, 32kb)