Health of adolescents and young people in Burkina Faso : background and priorities

Abstract

Adolescents and young people in Burkina Faso (aged between 10 and 24) represents 43.6% and consitutes a particular interest to the Ministry of Health. There is indicated to look at their needs in order to offer them appropriate care. The objective of this study was to assess the health status of adolescents and youth
in order to identify some priorities.
This was an evaluative study that used a literature review associated with an interview of the key stakeholders and a workshop to validate and identify interventions relevant to the future national strategic plan for adolescents and youth.
The health status of adolescents and young people is characterized by early and unwanted pregnancies, illegal abortions, early sexual intercourse, unprotected sex, often with multiple partners, high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), trauma, mental health problems, and various forms of violence.
The phenomenon is exacerbated by the low use of contraceptive methods and health services by young people. The situation regarding the consumption of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, which is highly harmful to health, is still poorly documented. There was also a lack of infrastructures and facilities for leisure activities and a lack of technical support for activities for adolescents and young people.
The general observation is that the provision of services has improved despite insufficient awareness, particularly among out-of-school youth, as well as disparities between urban and rural areas for access to information and services.
The Youth Health Strategic Plan (YESP) is an essential framework of reference that has been emphasized by all informants. The dissemination and appropriation envisaged for its implementation have not been effective as the availability in real time due to lack of financial, material and human resources. It is therefore necessary to put in place a consultation framework involving all the stakeholders in the preparation of the document. In addition, the importance of a coordination and monitoring-evaluation mechanism for multisectoral interventions was identified as an essential condition for achieving the objectives of the health strategic plan for adolescent and youth.
The health of adolescents and young people remains marked by the need to affirm governance based on their specificities. On the other hand, double protection appeared to be an appropriate solution, failing abstinence, to the major three-dimensional causes of their problems (pregnancies, abortions and STI / AIDS). A systemic approach that takes into account multisectoral interventions remains essential for addressing the health problems of adolescents and young people.