Reproductive health education crucial for youth post-disaster

PROTECTION. The youth of Tanauan, Leyte find refuge in an open space where they can learn about reproductive health. Photo by Save the ChildrenPROTECTION. The youth of Tanauan, Leyte find refuge in an open space where they can learn about reproductive health. Photo by Save the Children

MANILA, Philippines – Responding to the need for reproductive health (RH) education in disaster-hit communities, a non-government organization on Saturday, February 15, conducted activities for the youth in Tanauan, Leyte to learn about reproductive and sexual health.

Save the Children (STC), on the 100th day since Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the Visayas, launched ‘Youth-Friendly Space,’ an avenue that highlights the youth’s capacity to address reproductive health problems and gives them information on how and where to access reproductive health services. (READ: Contraceptives to Yolanda (Haiyan) victims?)

According to STC, reproductive health education is often overlooked after a disaster stikes. Adolescents and youth in devastated communities are the most vulnerable to sexual abuse, transactional sex, and risky sexual behaviors due to the disruption and absence of reproductive health services. They are also exposed to unintended preganancies and acquire sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs).

Jerlyn, a 23-year old participant, said the program helped her know her rights better.

“Personally, I believe that if adolescents are properly oriented of the different consequences and disadvantages of doing sexual favors, the likelihood of that happening could be lessened because proper knowledge on the possible consequences of such act will give them an opportunity to strongly assert their rights,” she told STC.

The project is in partnership with UNFPA and the Department of Health (DOH). – Rappler.com