AHF Africa Commemorates International Day of the African Child: “CSE Access through Digital Empowerment."

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Africa joins the world on June 16 in commemorating the International Day of the African Child with their #ProtectTheChild campaign. Focused on “Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Access through Digital Empowerment,” this initiative aims to enable children across the continent to receive vital education to help keep them healthy. AHF Africa calls on the African community to support age-appropriate CSE, empowering young individuals to make informed choices and contribute to national development.

Recognizing the risks children face in the digital environment, AHF Africa emphasizes the importance of equipping them with knowledge and skills to navigate online actions safely, understand their rights, and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

“Contrary to common misconceptions, CSE does not promote sexual activity, and there is strong evidence for its positive impact on young people’s physical and emotional development,” said Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF's Africa Bureau Chief. “Comprehensive Sexuality Education covers various critical areas, including abstinence, gender equality, human rights, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health, ensuring young people have the knowledge to protect themselves and their well-being. We remain committed to advocating for the rights of African children and strive to promote access to CSE. Together, let us protect children, equip them with essential knowledge, and empower them to thrive in the digital age.”

Extensive global research, including in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlights the benefits of Comprehensive Sexuality Education. It reduces early sexual engagement, fosters positive attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health, decreases risky behaviors, strengthens self-awareness, and equips young individuals with knowledge to combat HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, challenging harmful gender norms.

AHF’s focus aligns with the theme set by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) – "The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment." Governments, policymakers, parents, teachers, religious leaders, and stakeholders are urged to embrace the evidence-based benefits of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, collaborating to create an enabling environment for its implementation.

About AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)

AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.7 million people in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.

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