February 2023 – March 2026
Niger
In a country where 70% of the population is under 25 years old, the situation regarding SRH of young people remains worrying. Contraceptive prevalence is 15.9% among 15-24 year olds, 50% of girls under 19 have already had a child, 76% of girls are married before their 18th birthday and 28% before their 15th birthday. In addition, there has been an increase in HIV prevalence over the past 10 years: from 0.1% in 2011 to 0.8% in 2019, with young women twice as likely to be infected and only 11.6% of young people receiving HIV education. In this context, Solthis and Lafia Matassa have been working together since 2016 on DSSRAJ, via the JADES project, which has enabled the development of a network of young ambassadors, and the initiation of individual empowerment dynamics for young people via awareness-raising sessions and debates, radio programmes and festive events. JADES has also improved the clinical management of adolescents and young people in SRH and has contributed to a 70% increase in the number of consultations for access to contraception among adolescents and young people.
General objective
To improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for adolescents and young people, and in particular for adolescent girls and young women in Niger, and thus to contribute to the reduction of the risks of HIV/AIDS infection among adolescents and young people and to the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) which affects them.
In the continuity of the JADES 1 and JADES 2 projects, the Lahiyata project aims to empower adolescents and young people in terms of SRHR and their access to comprehensive, quality SRH services adapted to their specific needs.
Beneficiaries
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Lafia Matassa
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National and local authorities
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Young people and adolescents aged 10 to 24
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Health care staff
Results
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More than 200 trained health workers are helping to improve the quality of SRH services, with scores rising from approximately 70% to over 90% in the supported facilities.
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124 education and community leaders have been mobilized (84 youth leaders and 40 teachers), empowering adolescents and young people by helping them develop their psychosocial skills and knowledge of SRHR.
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160 teenage girls (ages 10–19) participated in 16 self-care workshops, which helped them better understand their rights, increased their independence, and strengthened their ability to take charge of their health.
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25 young women supported on their path to economic empowerment, within a strengthened institutional and community environment, including enhanced capacity at Lafia Matassa and advocacy for the rights of women and girls.
