Migori: Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW), in collaboration with the Migori County Government, has officially launched a Youth-Friendly Space at Ndege Oriedo Dispensary in Rongo Sub-County. This initiative aims to provide young individuals with access to vital health information, services, and empowerment opportunities within a safe and inclusive environment.
According to Kenya News Agency, Evelyn Samba, Executive Director of YSW, highlighted that the creation of this facility is part of a collaborative effort with the county government to integrate youth-focused services into the broader county health strategy. Samba emphasized the importance of the space, noting that it is designed to ensure adolescents and youths feel protected and supported by medical professionals who understand their healthcare challenges and needs.
YSW has a history of empowering communities through programmes focused on adolescents and youth, particularly girls and young women, enabling them to lead healthy lives. Samba reiterated the organisation's commitment to fostering a supportive environment, advancing gender equality, and enhancing access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for all.
Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Caleb Opondi, expressed the county's dedication to supporting health initiatives across the region. Opondi assured the public of the county's readiness to collaborate with any organisation committed to making healthcare accessible to all. Furthermore, he revealed plans to allocate 30 percent of local health facility revenues towards maintaining and operationalising the healthcare system county-wide.
Opondi called upon development partners to support initiatives like YSW to improve the healthcare system for county residents. Lorena Akoba, a local youth representative, shared the challenges faced by the youth, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV), rape, early pregnancies, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), which often deter them from visiting healthcare facilities. Akoba believes the Youth-Friendly Space at Ndege Oriedo Dispensary will not only instill hope in adolescents and youths but also benefit the surrounding community of Ndege village.