In May 2021, an exploratory assessment conducted by MSF revealed gaps in Adolescents and Young People (AYP) health, especially Sexual and Reproductive Health including teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexual and gender-based violence, and Mental Health including unmet psycho-social needs and substance abuse. The assessment further revealed glaring disparities in accessing health among AYP including young Key populations (KP).

Through Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS), the project’s objective is to reduce preventable diseases and untimely deaths among vulnerable and marginalized Adolescent and Youth Populations (AYP). This is via several ways including: investment in community engagement and healthcare promotion in close collaboration with the Mombasa County Department of Health (DoH) as well as already present Community based organizations (CBOs), providing sexual reproductive health and mental health services, medical and psychosocial services for survivors of SGBV, as well as access to HIV and hepatitis treatment.

Currently, MSF is supporting 4 dispensaries the sub counties of Kisauni, Nyali and Mvita, in Mombasa County. The activities are meant to address the needs of Adolescent and Youth Population (AYP) aged 10-24 years, specifically Young Key Population (see KP) with specific vulnerabilities including LGBTQ+ & related communities, sex workers, People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) and street communities – affected by stigma and social exclusion of health care. Despite facing higher prevalence of health risks and mental health problem, these key groups are disproportionately marginalized which hinders their access to dignified healthcare treatment.