On 19 and 24 August, the Co-Design and Implementation of a Digital Self-Care Intervention to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health among Youth in Zimbabwe (CoDe study) held two crucial workshops aimed at co-designing a digital selfcare intervention to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among youth in Zimbabwe’s tertiary education institutions (TEIs).
These workshops brought together young people from nine TEIs and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, donor agencies, NGOs, and CSOs. The primary goal of these sessions was to identify the needs, gaps, and priorities in SRH service provision and delivery within TEIs, providing a clear understanding of what is relevant and impactful for the study's design.
The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with stakeholders commending the focus on self-care as a central element of SRH programming. Tatenda Songore, Executive Director of Youth Advocates Zimbabwe, said, "Self-care is going to be a game changer, and investing in research now means we are strategically positioning ourselves to inform policy soon." These workshops are just the beginning of a series of consultations that will shape the CoDe study, ensuring it remains a co-designed initiative with young people and stakeholders.
The ultimate aim is to develop a youth-friendly and accessible SRH intervention that can be widely adopted across Zimbabwe’s TEIs, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of the nation’s youth.
Comments