Report by HAI and CAFCO | Download

Access to sexual and reproductive health services is a critical component of health systems. Unfortunately, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces challenges in providing adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. This results in high rates of teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality. This research was conducted to study the provision of adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) services and the attitudes of health providers in the Congo Central, Kinshasa and Kwilu provinces of the DRC. A total of 59 health providers from public sector health centers, 35 from the private sector and 34 from the faith-based sector were interviewed.

Several policy recommendations were made to improve access to SRHR services in Congo Central, Kinshasa and Kwilu provinces of the DRC. Recommendations include, for example, strengthening continuing education in sexual and reproductive health for health providers, actions to improve health providers’ attitudes and perceptions of SRHR, and improving processes to involve adolescents in decision-making about health centre services.

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