Rwanda Hosts the National ICPD Follow-Up Action Meeting to Accelerate Youth Engagement in Sexual and

Date: May 18, 2023

Kigali, Rwanda - The annual ICPD Follow-Up Action meeting took place today in Kigali, Rwanda, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with AfriYAN Rwanda and with the support of UNFPA. The conference, themed "Engaging Youth to Increase Demand on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and Accelerating the Realization of the ICPD Programme to Fulfill their Potential as we Progress Towards ICPD30," aimed to strengthen youth participation, address challenges in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and advocate for the acceleration of the ICPD Agenda in Rwanda.

Rwanda, committed to fulfilling the promises made under ICPD25 and progressing towards ICPD30, has made significant strides in various areas. Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana reported at the conference that progress has been made in most commitments, including increased budgetary allocation for health, legislative and policy frameworks for access to quality health services, improved service delivery, and heightened awareness on Adolescent Sexual & Reproductive Health (ASRH) services.

The commitments made by Rwanda align with the goals set during the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 in 2019, where countries, including Rwanda, renewed their commitment to integrate population concerns into economic and social activities. Rwanda's specific commitments include a 15% increment in the domestic health budget, legislative frameworks for health service access, increased utilization of ASRH services, enhanced family planning services, strengthened governance systems, and a reduction in Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) along with an increase in Antenatal Care (ANC) attendance.

To support these commitments, Rwanda's health sector development budget has seen a substantial increase, reaching Rwf232.7 billion in 2021/22, a testament to the country's dedication to improving healthcare. Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted the positive impact of this budget, which contributed to a significant reduction in maternal mortalities and urged continued action to achieve more milestones.

Despite the progress, challenges were identified during the conference. Dr. Francois Regis Cyiza presented findings indicating legal limitations on adolescents' right to decide on reproductive health, hindering access to SRH services for those under 18. The report also outlined financial sustainability issues, limited funding for family planning from domestic resources, and a shortage of health workers, particularly in remote areas.

The youth, a focal point of the conference, committed to engaging with the government towards ICPD30 but expressed challenges, including legal limitations and the need for systematic, meaningful youth engagement. Dr. Evode Niyibizi, AfriYAN Rwanda Country Director, stressed the importance of moving beyond ad-hoc levels of youth onboarding, emphasizing the necessity for sustained and comprehensive youth involvement.

In response, Isabelle Kalisa, Health Division Manager at the Imbuto Foundation, highlighted successful partnership models that have addressed similar gaps, suggesting their replication towards achieving ICPD30.

UNFPA Deputy Country Representative, Renata Tallarico, reaffirmed commitment and support to Rwanda's ICPD commitments, emphasizing continued collaboration and partnership to ensure their successful implementation.

As Rwanda navigates the journey towards ICPD30, the commitment shown at the ICPD25 Follow-Up Action Conference reflects the nation's dedication to advancing sexual and reproductive health, particularly among its youth, as an essential component of sustainable development.