Despite being the most vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, the majority of young people in rural areas of Vanuatu are largely unaware of the risks or ways to protect themselves from STIs and HIV/AIDS. In most cases, youth do not have access to youth-friendly health services. Cultural taboos surrounding the discussion of sexual matters restrict the education provided on healthy adolescent sexuality within families.

Young people have confirmed that they currently do not attend health centres (or only when they are very sick) due to the perceived attitudes of staff and the current inconvenience of health services. They are at an age and stage in the development of their sexuality that they need to be able to seek information, advice, counselling and services to maintain their health, regardless of whether they are sexually active or engaged in unprotected sex.

The purpose of the program is to reduce the prevalence of STIs through the provision of integrated sexual and reproductive health services to young people in catchments of 2 selected health centres. Through STI management and prevention, the program also seeks to contribute to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and unwanted teenage pregnancy and improved adolescent sexual reproductive health.

The intended beneficiaries of the program are young people aged between 16-24 years. The program assists the Ministry of Health in piloting and developing youth-friendly and integrated clinic services in existing health centres. Young people will be supported through the program and encouraged to use the services of the clinic for both the prevention and treatment of STIs.

Other components of the program include advocating for the needs of adolescent sexual and reproductive health to parents and teachers, as well as community leaders (gatekeepers). The program takes an integrated approach to reproductive health and sexual health services delivery, ensuring that it is in line with international best practice. And additionally, it supports the current Ministry of Health’s Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy within the Ministry of Health Reproductive Health Policy (2008) and Strategy (2008-2010).

Program Locations: 2 selected health centres in Malampa and Penama provinces.

Read about other Save the Children programs in Vanuatu...