ZIM YOUTH GROUP PROPOSES SADC MODULE TO EASE SRHR ACCESS FOR UNDER-16s 15th JULY 2026

By Mwatitha Lubinga https://www.facebook.com/share/1NcCYz4TUJ/ A Youth Organization from Zimbabwe is proposing the development of a regional module role guidelines on children and adolescents aimed at addressing the legal inconsistencies that prevent young people below the age of 16 from accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services - SRHR. Speaking in a sideline interview today, Youth Advocacy Executive Director Tatenda Songore said many young people fail to access SRHR services because health care providers are restricted by current laws. Mr. Songore noted that in many Southern African countries, the law requires young people to get consent from a parent or guardian, or for government to represent them, before accessing SRHR services, A requirement he described as a barrier to access. He said the law leads to young people being turned away from health facilities, which in turn contributes to an increase in adolescent pregnancies, HIV infections, and school dropouts. “The development of this module is aimed at protecting both young people and health care providers. It will ensure young people can access services, while health care providers are also protected by clear guidelines,” Mr. Songore said. He highlighted that the age of consent for sexual activity is not automatically the same as the age of consent to healthcare, which makes it difficult for health care providers to implement the law impartially.