Progress in Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right in Cameroon: What Policies and Programs Were Effective?

Nadia Tefouet, EVIHDAF
Samuel Nhanag, EVIHDAF
Angela Odiachi, EVIHDAF
Elihou O. Adje, EVIHDAF
Michèle Signe , EVIHDAF
Jean Christophe Fotso, EVIHDAF
John G. Cleland, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

Adolescents’ access to comprehensive sexuality education, essential sexual and reproductive health services and products, and autonomous decision-making power over their health, has been a Cameroonian government priority in recent years. Some studies and reports show a remarkably positive trend in some adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (ASRHR) indicators in Cameroon. Based on these trends, this study describes the most influential ASRHR policies and programs in Cameroon over the past 20 years. We conducted desk review of ASRHR policies and programs, and key informant interviews with stakeholders in Cameroon. Results showed that policies, programs and legislation related to HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), adolescent health, and child marriage were the most influential, and have evolved to better meet the needs of adolescents. The Cameroonian government needs to strengthen and scale up the implementation of existing interventions that address the entire adolescent ecosystem.