06/08/2026
Youth are the driving force behind Zambia’s future.
At the official opening of the Southern Provincial Adolescent Health Indaba in Livingstone today, the Guest of Honour, Provincial Health Director Dr. Kayunga, encouraged young people to embrace opportunities and recognize their important role in shaping the future of their families, communities and the nation.
Dr. Kaayunga emphasized that youth is a transformative stage of growth, creativity and innovation. He commended the Government, through the Ministry of Health, other line ministries and partners, for prioritizing young people’s health and development while ensuring that youth voices are included in decision-making processes.
He noted that challenges such as mental health issues, substance and alcohol abuse, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancies continue to affect young people. He further highlighted that Southern Province’s teenage pregnancy rate stands at 29%, which is 4 percentage points above the national average, with 52% of recorded cases involving married adolescents.
The Southern Province Youth Indaba provides a valuable platform for young people, government, civil society and partners to engage, share solutions and strengthen efforts towards a healthier and empowered generation.
Face of Equity remains committed to amplifying youth voices and promoting equitable access to health information, services and opportunities for every young person.