Giving access to health services

The other key component of the HORIZON 2024 project, funded by the EU, is giving access to healthcare, as it has been observed that vulnerable populations refrain themselves to look for existing healthcare services and to go to healthcare facilities, if those are far away from their home or if they feel stigmatised. Therefore, it was crucial that the 1st three components of the HORIZON 2024 programme be completed by a 4th one addressing health issues, especially sexual and reproductive health. 49 female youth and adults of the community were offered the services of a medical practitioner, and had the opportunity to discuss the reasons why they could not access healthcare services and facilities, during focus groups. They will also benefit from the services of a nutritionist this year.

Another component of this section is to prevent use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among youth. A youth coalition named Union Zenes Bois Marchand, reuniting 25 youth, was set up to address this. They meet regularly and are taught skills to initiate activities to reach out to other youth from the community.