Media urged to champion adolescent health rights

Zimbabwean media practitioners have been called upon to take a leading role in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights, as part of a regional initiative aimed at improving youth access to health services.

The appeal was made during a media sensitisation meeting held under the Step Up 4 Adolescents campaign, which seeks to address persistent barriers faced by young people in accessing comprehensive SRH information and care.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Executive Director of Youth Advocates, Mr Tatenda Songore, underscored the urgency of focusing on adolescents, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.

"We are focused on adolescents because within East and Southern Africa, they experience high HIV incidences, child marriages, and teenage pregnancies. The triple threat especially affects those in poverty. When a pregnancy happens, young people are trapped in a cycle of poverty—they miss the opportunity to further their education and to work for themselves," said Songore.

He added that access to reproductive health services empowers young people with the tools to fight poverty, pursue education, and shape their futures.

Organisers of the meeting highlighted the media's critical role not only as a messenger but also as a driver of accountability and public awareness. By adopting accurate, rights-based language in their reporting, journalists can help challenge harmful social norms, spotlight policy gaps, and amplify youth voices.

The sensitisation meeting is expected to foster stronger collaboration between media houses, youth-led organisations, and SRH coalitions. It will also inform the development of a Zimbabwe-focused media advocacy plan aligned with regional priorities.