Beijing Follow-Up

A small survey on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Rights was conducted. This survey established the information gaps for adolescent, at the level of the Health System, as a contributor to Teenage Pregnancy.

Research was also conducted on Youth at Risk due to migration and prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

These areas arose out of the Beijing + 5 Seminar held in October 2000

(a) Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

The continuing concern around the incidence of teenage pregnancy was of particular concern for CAFRA because of the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the 15-25 age group.

All National Committees in the member countries were engaged in a Country Survey of a sample of teenage parents (male and female). A questionnaire was designed to elicit the following information:

  level of reproductive health information
  support systems/mechanisms
  socio-economic conditions
  attitudes

The response level varied from country to country. However, an important gap was identified at the level of the Health Services where mandatory health checks at the onset of puberty were neither observed by parents of enforced by the Health Personnel.

(b) HIV/AIDS Prevalence

CAFRA’s Newsletter for the period January-June 2001 was dedicated to Advocacy on HIV/AIDS intervention and prevention.

All CAFRA National Committees and focal points were asked to submit available statistics on HIV/AIDS cases in their respective countries and to find out what care and treatment was offered by Government or other sources to victims and their families.

This information was supplemented by international information, research findings and personal stories. The issue presents a snapshot of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean, its impact on women and issues challenging to women’s organisations to make HIV/AIDS a priority area for action.

The Newsletter was well received and several hundred additional copies were produced.

(c) Migration and Youth at Risk

This research showed that due to loss of job opportunities many women, heads of households had migrated seasonably or permanently, inter-island or to the USA, Europe and Canada. Many of their children became school drop-outs, members of gangs, were even homeless as relatives neglected them. In some cases, these children were the heads of households. These children were at risk of teenage pregnancy, victims of incest, street violence and abuse. The findings were used as part of CAFRA’s contribution to the lobby on the impact of trade liberalisation.