Harnessing data to address reproductive health in Sub-Saharan Africa

Genesis was contracted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to update and quality assure the backend database that supports its Adolescents and Youth Dashboard.

Despite remarkable progress over the past 25 years, Sub-Saharan Africa requires further efforts to address the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of its population, especially adolescents and youths. The emergence of new challenges underscores the need for up-to-date data and user-friendly information systems. This can guide policymakers in prioritising areas, shaping strategies, and working with governments and other partners to implement targeted interventions.

In response to emerging issues, Genesis took on the role of updating the dashboard with new indicators. Established through comprehensive research, these indicators covered areas such as climate change, universal health coverage, menstrual health, youth in conflict, the labour market and economic empowerment, and access to the internet. The team also updated the dashboard with regional averages from the regional economic communities of EAC, ECOWAS, CEEAC, IGAD and SADC.

Genesis incorporated these indicators into a report outlining the status of adolescents and youth in the relevant regions. The report also analysed how countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are performing, how different countries compare and what the trends tell us about progress.

With the help of data and associated tools, UNFPA has achieved significant results over the last two years, including the aversion of nearly 60 million unintended pregnancies and over 16 million sexually transmitted infections. Ensuring that UNFPA can continue to pursue this important work and account for emerging issues in the SRH and rights of adolescents and youth underlines the rationale for this assignment.