MSF Mombasa Project

Adolescent and Youth Population (AYP) Project – Mombasa County 

• MSF is supporting Mombasa County Government since 2021 in implementing the Adolescent and Youth Population (AYP) Strategy through youth-friendly services in three Department of Health dispensaries, outreach, and community-based activities in Kisauni, Nyali, and Mvita Sub-counties in Mombasa. 
• The project works with adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, including vulnerable groups such as street populations, persons with disabilities (PWD), and key populations who are often excluded from health services due to stigma and discrimination. 
• Adolescents and youth represent one-third of the Mombasa County population. 
• They face healthcare access gaps in sexual and reproductive health, mental health services, care for teenage pregnancies, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and support for substance abuse users. 
• The project’s main strategy is based on peer-led activities that improve access to stigma-free and non-discriminatory quality healthcare and well-being services for vulnerable and marginalized adolescents and youth populations. 

The project delivery approach includes: 

1. Peer-led and tailored health interventions for youth: promoting positive health-seeking behavior, providing adolescent-friendly spaces, and delivering comprehensive services at adolescent and youth centers. 
2. Strengthening community engagement: close collaboration and networking with existing community-based organizations (CBOs) to better understand and serve youth needs. 
3. Holistic well-being: offering a comprehensive health package including medical care, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health services. 

What we have done 

Integrated primary healthcare services 

Integrated primary health care, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health care, Hepatitis B and C screening, health promotion and social services and linkages in three ways: 

• Peer-led community-based outreach activities to improve access to healthcare among adolescent and youth population and key population in collaboration with Mombasa department of health and local community-based organizations 

• Facility-based comprehensive adolescent and youth-friendly service 

• Community-led health promotion in community-owned safe spaces 

Community engagement 

• To reduce stigma and discrimination against adolescents and young key populations. 

Socio-behavioural and health research 

• To better understand the evolving needs of adolescents and youth. 

Surveillance and preparedness 

• Monitoring disease outbreaks of public health importance and strengthening emergency preparedness and response.