Analysis of Policies and Standards on Sexual and Reproductive Health for Young People in Cameroon: A Capabilities Approach

Josiane NGO MAYACK, Institut de Formation et de Recherche Démographiques (IFORD)

This study examines cameroonian policies and standards on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) through the lens of the capabilities approach, which focuses on individuals' real freedoms to lead lives they value. With over 45% of the population under 15 years old, adolescents and young people are at the center of national SRH initiatives. Despite the integration of adolescent health into strategic frameworks, significant challenges remain, including high unmet needs for family planning, early sexual activity, and limited access to SRH information and services. Through a content analysis of policy documents, this research aims to explore the extent to which these policies support young people's ability to exercise their SRH rights. By focusing on capabilities such as access to reliable information, decision-making autonomy, and health services, the study highlights the opportunities provided to ensure optimal health outcomes. The findings will contribute to a critical understanding of how Cameroon’s policies shape the SRH choices and freedoms of its young population, without evaluating their impact. This analysis seeks to identify the resources and opportunities outlined by these policies that allow young people to fully exercise their SRH capabilities.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

See extended abstract.