With support from the AGFUND, AWR MAs and Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are implementing a regional Programme for SRH of young people.

The reproductive health of young people is of concern in the Arab World Region. Existing national and local studies in the region do not address all aspects related to the sexual and reproductive health of young people. Hence, although information is available, it remains insufficient in its scope. The available literature illustrates a lack of reliable statistics due to cultural sensitivity and mores impeding proper data collection.

The objectives of the Programme are: To strengthen commitment to and support for the and needs of young people, promote participation of young people in governance, increase access to comprehensive, youth friendly, gender sensitive sex education and services and reduce gender related barriers.

The key element of the Programme is the full participation of young people. Young people were instrumental in defining the regional and country activities. They were also part of the proposal writing team. Youth is the primary actor in the implementation of the Programme at the regional and country level, as well as assume a central role in the annual assessment of activities and the final evaluation of the Programme.

The Programme design was initiated by IPPF/AWR Youth Volunteers and Member Associations defining the pressing Youth SRH and Gender issues in their countries. The country-level activities were selected from the list of activities under the thematic areas. The activities are tailored to meet national differences.