Health Issues In Ethiopia

The health of adolescents is a component of public health, which is a major concern globally and in the African region. According to World Health Organization (WHO) adolescence is the age between 10-19 and period of transition from childhood to adulthood which is characterized by rapid and objective physiological changes, such as rapid growth, maturation of the reproductive system and changes in physical appearance. Moreover, significant psychosocial development, especially emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects occurs through a progressive maturation process from childhood dependence to adult interdependence (1). There are 1.2 billion adolescents (10−19 years old) today over the world and this make up 18 per cent of the world’s population.

With a long history of various customs and tradition, Ethiopia is no different than other countries that have for so long experienced changes brought on by progressive endeavors in the various sectors of society. In a society where tradition and custom has been considered to have an overwhelming influence on people’s behavior and actions, the changes that are taking place among the youth in Addis Ababa today have raised a number of issues that require a great deal of attention(3).

Reproductive health is among these issues, which is defined as a complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely absence of disease in all matters relating to reproductive system and its function and process. Reproductive health therefore implies that people are able to have satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and freedom to decide when and how to do so(4).

Reproductive health care is defined as the constellation of methods, techniques and services that contribute to reproductive health and well-being by preventing and solving sexual health

So, adolescent and youth reproductive health becomes a concern (11, 12).Youth friendly service (YFS) respects and accommodates the unique psychological, social, cultural, and economic situations comfortable with appropriate environment, ensure confidentiality and privacy as well as succeed in retaining these young clients for continuing care (13). As a result, it has been recognized as an appropriate and effective strategy to address sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of young people since the 1994 International Conference on Population & Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt (14). Young people Adolescent Reproductive Health and Development Plan of Action 2006-2015 was developed to facilitate the implementation of the developed policy. Funds have also been provided accordingly(10).Consequently, a document on “Standards on Youth Friendly Reproductive Health Services, Service delivery Guideline and Minimum Service Delivery Package” (Ministry of Health 2008) was produced