Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

CARMMA Plus recognizes that adolescents and youth particularly those aged 10 to 24 are at a critical stage of development with long-term implications for their health and future. As such, ensuring access to accurate information and quality sexual and reproductive health services is vital for achieving Africa’s broader development goals.

Rooted in the AU’s Continental Policy Framework and the Maputo Plan of Action (2016–2030), CARMMA Plus is committed to improving ASRHR outcomes by promoting policies and investments that protect and empower young people. The campaign aligns with Agenda 2063 and SDG targets to eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2030.

CARMMA Plus supports the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage, launched in 2014, and reinforces national efforts to prevent early childbirth and harmful traditional practices. These issues directly affect maternal health outcomes and deprive girls of their right to education, autonomy, and safe motherhood.

Moving forward, the campaign will place greater emphasis on adolescent health, advocating for inclusive programs that uphold young people’s rights to health information, services, and participation in policy-making. It also promotes the use of disaggregated data to better understand and respond to adolescents’ specific needs.