Youth Health Matters: Insights from Young Africa Live

The health and well-being of Africa’s youth are critical to the continent’s future, yet young people often face significant barriers when it comes to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Young Africa Live (YAL), branded B-Wise in South Africa, is an innovative program designed to bridge these gaps and provide youth with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to take control of their health.

Over the years, YAL has utilised digital platforms, including WhatsApp chatbots, Facebook pages, and service finders, to engage young people aged 15–24 in meaningful conversations about SRH, mental health, and broader well-being topics.

The Digital Health Revolution for Youth

Young Africa Live represents a bold shift in how health services are delivered to young people. By leveraging the accessibility of mobile phones and social media, YAL has provided a safe, stigma-free space for youth to learn, engage, and seek help.

Key components of the YAL initiative include:

• WhatsApp chatbot: Offering personalised, private SRH advice and information.
• Facebook engagement: Creating a community for discussions and shared learning.
• Service finder tool: Connecting young people to clinics and youth-friendly health services.

These tools not only reach young people where they already spend their time but also overcome traditional barriers such as lack of transportation, fear of judgment, and limited health literacy.

Interesting Findings from YAL’s Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation of the program revealed a range of outcomes that underscore its importance and potential. Here are some of the key findings:

1. Shifting Attitudes Toward Contraception

One of the most significant impacts of YAL has been its success in changing young people’s attitudes toward contraceptive use. Many participants reported feeling more confident and informed about contraceptive options, reducing stigma and increasing the likelihood of adoption.

A notable percentage of participants indicated they were more likely to use contraception after engaging with the WhatsApp chatbot or Facebook content.

2. Increased SRH Knowledge

Through interactive content and conversations, YAL has equipped youth with vital information about topics ranging from HIV prevention to managing relationships.

The chatbot’s ability to deliver information tailored to individual needs was highlighted as a major strength. Young people felt more equipped to make informed decisions about their health.

3. Improved Access to Services

The service finder tool was particularly effective in helping young people locate youth-friendly clinics and health services.

Many participants credited the tool for connecting them to healthcare providers they otherwise wouldn’t have known about, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

4. Addressing Mental Health

In addition to SRH, YAL has made strides in addressing youth mental health. The program created space for discussions on topics like anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms, which are often taboo in many communities.

Youth appreciated the program’s holistic approach, recognising the intersection of mental health and SRH.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite its successes, the YAL program faced some challenges that shed light on the broader obstacles to youth health in Africa:

• Stigma around SRH topics: Social and cultural taboos remain a significant barrier, with many young people hesitant to openly engage with SRH content.
• Access to youth-friendly services: While the service finder tool connected users to clinics, the availability of truly youth-friendly services was inconsistent.
• Digital literacy gaps: Some users, particularly in rural areas, struggled with navigating digital tools or lacked access to reliable internet.

The Road Ahead: Building on YAL’s Impact

As YAL evolves, its focus remains on empowering young people through accessible, relevant, and culturally sensitive health interventions. Future plans include:

• Expanding reach: Scaling the program to more countries and underserved areas.
• Enhanced personalisation: Leveraging data insights to provide even more tailored support through digital platforms.
• Collaboration with stakeholders: Strengthening partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector entities to address systemic barriers.

Why Youth Health Matters

The insights from Young Africa Live reaffirm that digital health programs like YAL are not just innovative — they are essential. By meeting young people where they are and providing tools that address their unique needs, YAL is transforming how health services are delivered.

Most importantly, programs like YAL don’t just provide information; they empower young people to advocate for their health, break cycles of stigma, and create a ripple effect of change within their communities.

As Reach Digital Health continues to pioneer new approaches, the message is clear: Youth health matters, and when we invest in young people, we invest in a healthier, more equitable future.