Improving the health of mothers and female adolescents in the Huancavelica region

ABOUT THE PROJECT

In 2017, the Regional Health Directorate of Huancavelica reported an increase in adolescent pregnancy cases, which rose from 12% to more than 15%. This situation generally occurs in rural areas, among indigenous populations and with low levels of education. On many occasions, these pregnancies are the result of sexual violence.

The intervention seeks to implement a program aimed at strengthening and improving support for adolescents and newborns. The project intends to increase opportunities for adolescent development and protection and to improve access to quality health and education services for young mothers and their babies in eight communities in Huancavelica.

Some of the actions to be implemented will be: facilitating access to training and participation of adolescents in their schools and communities, with emphasis on sexual and reproductive health; supporting the retention and/or return of girls to school (pregnant girls and mothers); developing the skills of adolescent mothers to talk about their situation and support other adolescents at risk; as well as generating public and political pressure for the Government to implement the Multisectoral Plan for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• Support the development and protection of adolescent mothers and their babies in Huancavelica, improving their access to quality health and education services.

• Raise awareness among adolescents, parents, community leaders and public officials on the rights of women and children, thus contributing to reduce violence against them.

• Increase access to quality and culturally appropriate health and education services for adolescents, pregnant adolescents, young mothers and their babies.

• Promote greater investment in health and education for adolescents, as a result of advocacy initiatives with local and regional governments.

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS

The following results are expected by 2022:

• Strengthened capacities of adolescents and their families to face gender inequities and promote the development of life projects.
• Improved access of adolescents to differentiated health and education services, with the support of their families and the community.
• Promotion of greater investment in health and education for adolescents, as a result of advocacy initiatives with local and regional governments.