Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) promotes young people's reproductive health. It provides them with accurate information, promotes safer sexual practices, addresses gender equality, fosters healthy relationships, supports emotional well-being, prevents sexual violence, and enables informed decision-making. By equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their sexual and reproductive lives, CSE plays a crucial role in promoting healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Kenya's Ministry of Health withdrew from the Eastern and Southern African (ESA) commitment to Comprehensive sexuality education, implying that we do not have an anchor to implement or refer to while passing information to adolescents and young people. The withdrawal comes when Kenya is ranked 3rd in teenage pregnancy globally, and young people between 15-24 are leading with about 51% in the new HIV infections, according to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey of 2022. Additionally, there are high numbers of intimate partner violence, with the KDHS 2022 report indicating that 43% of women and girls between 15-49 years believe that a husband is justified to beat his wife. When accurate and timely information is accessible, young people know their rights, choices, and responsibilities, reducing vulnerability to gender-based violence. They also become aware of these signs and could create healthy relationships as they would easily report and walk out of unhealthy relationships that could lead to Intimate Partner Violence.
Comprehensive sexuality education, therefore, is essential in fighting the triple threat, which encompasses teenage pregnancy, HIV, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and promoting general health. According to the Children's Act of 2022 Section 16 clause (i), every child has a right to the highest attainable standard of healthcare services per Article 43 of the Kenyan constitution. This means all children are entitled to the highest attainable physical, emotional, and psychological health, including reproductive health. Furthermore, section 16 clause 4 indicates that every child has a right to access age-appropriate information on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of ill health and diseases, mental health, and reproductive health. Also, the information should affirm their dignity in human relationships and promote sexual risk avoidance. This is critical as KDHS 2022 indicates less knowledge in HIV prevention among adolescents, an implication that CSE would enable adolescents and young people to make informed decisions, including safer sexual practices.
Comprehensive sexuality education often faces myths and misconceptions that have hindered its implementation and effectiveness over time. Some common myths include but are not limited to; it is solely about sex; on the contrary, it encompasses a broader range of topics, including relationships, consent, gender equality, reproductive rights, and emotional well-being. It takes a comprehensive approach to address the holistic aspects of sexuality and reproductive health. Some say it promotes early sexual activity when, in reality, it aims to delay sexual initiation by providing accurate information, promoting responsible behavior, and emphasizing the importance of consent and healthy relationships. Additionally, CSE is said to undermine cultural and religious values when it respects diverse cultural and religious beliefs while providing evidence-based information. It recognizes the importance of cultural context and values in shaping sexual and reproductive health decisions. CSE is also said to encourage promiscuity while it promotes responsible sexual behavior, including the use of contraceptives and the importance of monogamy and fidelity. It emphasizes the importance of making informed choices based on personal values and well-being. CSE supplements parental guidance by providing accurate information and skills and does not try to replace parental guidance as stereotyped. This is because It recognizes the crucial role of parents and guardians in discussing sexuality and encourages open communication between young people and their families.
Kenya's withdrawal from the regional commitment to comprehensive sexuality education puts the health and well-being of young people at risk, especially when they suffer from online misinformation and limited information on sexual and reproductive health, which limits them from making informed decisions about their health. I call on the Ministry of Health to prioritize and recommit to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for youth reproductive health. By providing accurate information and promoting responsible behavior, CSE empowers young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Let's work together to ensure access to comprehensive, evidence-based sexuality education for healthier futures.