Communicating to behave on sexual and reproductive well being in Africa: UNFPA’s cutting edge founder – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction: The UNFPA’s Groundbreaking Model for Sexual Health Advocacy

Accra, Ghana — On December 3, 2023, the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) launched with a pivotal conversation titled “Communicating to Act”: HooVerYuNg in Sexual and Reproductive Health Leadership. The session highlighted the launch of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s innovative **Problem – Human Impact – Solution (HIS)** communication founder. Designed to amplify youth voices and drive policy reform, this model promises to transform how adolescents and young adults in Africa engage with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges.

This article examines the HIS framework’s core components, its implications for SRH advocacy, and how it aligns with UNFPA’s mission to empower communities through education and storytelling.

Key Points: Decoding the UNFPA’s HIS Communication Model

Three critical elements define the UNFPA’s new approach:

1. Problem: Identifying SRH Challenges Through Community-Led Data

The HIS founder begins with grassroots data collection. Young delegates at ICASA were trained to gather localized information on barriers to SRH access, such as stigma around contraception or gaps in HIV prevention education.

2. Human Impact: Translating Data into Personal Stories

UNFPA emphasizes transforming statistics into narratives. For example, a workshop participant shared how misinformation about menstrual health led to school absenteeism in rural Ghana, humanizing the need for policy action.

3. Solution: Crafting Actionable Advocacy Through Media

The final pillar involves using digital tools and traditional media to influence decision-makers. Delegates learned to create compelling policy briefs and social media campaigns tailored to their communities.

Background: UNFPA’s Role in African SRH Innovation

UNFPA, established in 1969, focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. In Africa, where 60% of the population is under 25, the organization prioritizes:

• Adolescent SRH: Reducing maternal mortality and unintended pregnancies.
• HIV Prevention: Addressing stigma and improving access to antiretroviral therapy.
• Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with governments to align national strategies with international SRH goals.

At ICASA 2025, UNFPA revealed plans to integrate the HIS model into its regional capacity-building programs, ensuring scalability across 47 African countries.

Analysis: Why the HIS Model Works for African Communities

UNFPA’s approach addresses systemic gaps in SRH communication:

Cultural Relevance Meets Digital Innovation

The model respects local traditions while leveraging technology. For instance, in Nigeria, facilitators trained youth to use WhatsApp groups to disseminate HIV prevention tips, bypassing infrastructural limitations.

Youth as Decision-Makers

Dr. Esther Somefun of UNFPA Nigeria noted, “Young people are not just beneficiaries but architects of change.” By equipping them with

Practical Advice: How to Implement the HIS Framework in Your Community

Adopting the HIS approach requires actionable steps:

1. Start with Community Mapping

Identify local SRH challenges through surveys or focus groups. In Kenya, youth mapped areas where safe-space clinics were lacking, directly informing municipal policy shifts.

2. Use Storytelling for Policy Briefs

UNFPA provides templates to convert data into stories. A Senegalese NGO used maternal mortality statistics to draft briefs that persuaded lawmakers to allocate funds to rural health centers.

3. Leverage Social Media for Advocacy

Hashtags like #EndSRHStigma and #YouthForHIV can amplify youth voices. UNFPA’s digital toolkit includes templates for TikTok videos explaining condom use myths.

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3. Leverage Social Media for Advocacy

Hashtags like #EndSRHStigma and #YouthForHIV can amplify youth voices. UNFPA’s digital toolkit includes templates for TikTok videos explaining condom use myths.

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