Health promotion

A healthy community is essential for meaningful community development. According to the World Health Organisation, children and young people are most vulnerable to and affected by preventable diseases.

The highest increase in sexually transmitted infection rates worldwide is found amongst young people. Although most men and women become sexually active during adolescence, young people often face significant barriers to accessing the information, services and education they need. Some of the biggest barriers are social norms and cultural taboos about young people's sexuality. The need to provide services and information to young people on HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health has never been so great.

Access to timely, preventative health information and services is a basic human right. Providing such services for vulnerable children and young people can protect them, and go a long way in keeping them healthy and alive.

Y Care International works with vulnerable young people to raise awareness of health risks and promote healthy lifestyle choices. We provide health information, refer young people to health services and improve the social and economic conditions that hinder public and individual health. Y Care International's partner YMCAs work with communities to provide information on often neglected health problems such as mental health and the need for drug rehabilitation, environmental health, and access to clean water and sanitation.