Haitian community-based organizations at the forefront of sexual and reproductive health services delivery are struggling to address new challenges posed by changing demographics and unfavorable socio-economic conditions.
Urbanization, a breakdown of traditional family structures and poverty are among factors that have given rise to harmful sexual practices among the country’s youth leading to increased exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, unsafe abortions and gender-based violence, according to public health experts.
Statistics from EMMUS 5, a demographic survey produced by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population, show contraceptive prevalence among adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19) stands at 9 percent only, compared to 24 percent for all age groups, and a majority of youth report being unable to procure contraception methods.
About the author
Flavie Halaisflaviehalais
Flavie Halais is a freelance journalist based in Montreal, Canada, covering international issues and cities through a social lens. Her work has appeared in WIRED, the Guardian, Le Monde Afrique, Jeune Afrique, the Correspondent ,and Devex.
