For a very long time, Kenya and Africa at large had a huge problem addressing unintended pregnancies, HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, cases of Gender-Based Violence, and general sexual-related challenges among adolescents. In 2013, in an effort to improve the quality of life, health, and general well-being of adolescents, ministers, and cabinet secretaries in charge of gender, health education, and youth affairs from over 20 countries in the Eastern and Southern regions of the continent decided to work together to provide an extensive, accurate and age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) to adolescents.
Together, they formed the ESA Ministerial Commitment with the sole agenda of putting in place a robust and age-appropriate CSE in our places of learning. This went well and gains were achieved. We saw a reduction in cases of HIV and other STIs among young people as they now knew how to protect themselves. Cases of teenage pregnancies generally declined and things were looking really good.
Around this time as well, researchers concurred with this and provided proof that young people and adolescents with knowledge about sexual and reproductive health were better placed to handle day-to-day challenges on the same. As a result of COVID-19, these numbers surged again and it is so unfortunate that recently, Kenya secretly decided to leave the ESA Ministerial Commitment. At a time when more than ever, we desperately need CSE.
This begs the question, why does it seem like our religious leaders, lawmakers, the political class, and even parents are constantly battling efforts to provide CSE? What are they afraid of? If it is the concern that CSE will make young people debut sex early, researchers have found out that CSE makes adolescents wait a little longer to try sex. Narratives that CSE promotes promiscuity. This is so untrue. The narrative that CSE contradicts religious teachings. This is also just a myth.
Addressing these fears and concerns requires open dialogue, accurate information sharing, and understanding diverse perspectives. It's important to emphasize that comprehensive sexual education aims to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based, and inclusive information to support healthy development, informed decision-making, and the well-being of young people.
It is important that we trust our young people with this important information. Holding on to it causes more harm than good. The consequence of Kenya deciding to withdraw from this important commitment will erode current and future gains that would have been made as a result of this commitment. No one wants cases of HIV infections, STIs, or GBV to rise. This is why we have to work together.
Through collaboration, we can make sure that cultural and religious beliefs help in achieving CSE while myths, misconceptions, and misinformation around CSE are quashed. Parents working together with teachers joining forces would give CSE more credibility. This is also the point where I express great disappointment in the leaders that decided to get Kenya out of Ministerial Commitment. The welfare of our young people should always come first.