Key facts
- Project duration
- 2022 to April 2026
- Total consultations
- 100,678
- Facility-based consultations
- 72,480
- Outreach consultations
- 28,198
- Increase in PrEP uptake
- 40%
- Increase in help-seeking among survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
- 23%
Background
Adolescents and young people in Mombasa, Kenya, face significant barriers in accessing healthcare that is confidential, affordable, non-judgmental, and responsive to their needs. These barriers are even greater for key and vulnerable groups, who often experience violence, discrimination, and stigma from routine health services.
To respond to these gaps, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) supported the Mombasa County Department of Health in implementing the County Adolescent and Youth Health Strategy through a Youth Friendly Services (YFS) model in Bamburi, Junda, and Ganjoni dispensaries from 2022 to April 2026.
Current situation
The YFS model combined multiple services provided in health facilities and mobile clinics, including basic healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, mental healthcare, HIV and hepatitis-related services, health promotion, peer support, social work, and referral pathways. Young people accessed care in an environment designed to be welcoming and relevant to their needs, with peer educators playing a central role in service delivery and engagement.
Between 2022 and 2026, the project delivered 100,678 consultations to adolescents and young people: 72,480 facility-based consultations and 28,198 consultations through medical outreach activities. Community outreach, mobile clinics, and moonlight activities helped extend services beyond health facilities and reached marginalised and hard-to-reach young people.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total consultations | 100,678 |
| Facility-based consultations | 72,480 |
| Outreach consultations | 28,198 |
| Increase in PrEP uptake | 40% |
| Increase in help-seeking among survivors of sexual and gender-based violence | 23% |
Impacts
Evidence from the multi-year Mombasa Youth Study showed that the YFS model was associated with significant positive health outcomes. The study recorded a 40% increase in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and a 23% increase in help-seeking among survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
While beneficial for all young people, the youth-friendly approach was especially valuable for people who engage in sex work, people who use drugs, and transgender and gender non-binary people, who face more social marginalisation, violence, and barriers to healthcare. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the approach helped improve their engagement and retention in care.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
After four years, MSF has transferred the project to the Mombasa County Department of Health, following close collaboration with health authorities, healthcare workers, peer educators, and communities. The project generated valuable lessons to support future adolescent and youth health programmes, while ensuring continued care for young people in Mombasa.
MSF teams remain engaged in Mombasa and keep investing in alleviating the suffering of vulnerable groups in Mombasa. If the county health department continues to apply the YFS model, the improvements in health outcomes could be sustained. If resources or political will shift, however, the progress may not be maintained, and young people could again face barriers to care.
Source: msf.org
खबर को बेहतर समझें
आंकड़े, तुलना और घटनाक्रम—एक ही जगह, बिना अनुमान के
Consultations and health outcomes
Increase in help-seeking among survivors of sexual and gender-based violence23
सटीक आंकड़े देखें
| श्रेणी | Value |
|---|---|
| Total consultations | 1,00,678 |
| Facility-based consultations | 72,480 |
| Outreach consultations | 28,198 |
| Increase in PrEP uptake | 40 |
| Increase in help-seeking among survivors of sexual and gender-based violence | 23 |
स्रोत:msf.org स्रोत-समर्थित
