Peer-reviewed article
Empowering transformation: Harnessing child and youth narratives to propel meaningful and sustainable health and well-being in Lesotho
Mairos Ferreira S, Muthengi K, Mohale M, Mokhameleli S, Mathosi L ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This study listened to the health and well-being experiences of 180 children and young people aged 6 to 19 in four regions of Lesotho. It used participatory tools such as social and resource mapping, body mapping and cause and effect analysis, along with 18 focus group discussions and interviews with local stakeholders. Children raised problems with access to health care, water and sanitation, education, nutrition and protection from harm. They asked for policies that involve young people directly rather than relying only on adults.
Key points
- Children and youth reported difficulty accessing general healthcare services, and stressed the importance of sexual and reproductive health in areas with high HIV/AIDS prevalence.
- Better water and sanitation infrastructure was strongly emphasised as a need.
- In education, children and youth called for greater equity and inclusivity.
- Climate change was linked to food insecurity and malnutrition, with a high prevalence of stunting.
- Participants described increased vulnerability and exploitation of children and youth, and a considerable risk of gender-based and sexual violence.
Limitations
This is a qualitative, cross-sectional analysis based on a purposeful sample, so the findings describe participants' experiences and cannot be generalised or used to measure how common problems are. The abstract gives no detail on how the themes were analysed and does not evaluate any intervention.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This research emerges from Lesotho's diverse landscapes, where children’s stories remain largely unheard in the realm of health policy. The study aims to harness these narratives to drive equity, inclusivity, and human rights in health interventions, positioning youth not just as beneficiaries but as active participants in all health interventions. METHODS This research represents a meta-analysis of a larger, cross-sectional, qualitative research project, focused on understanding childrens’ narratives and experiences on their health and wellbeing. The study employed Participatory Learning Approach (PLA) tools, notably Social and Resource Mapping, Body Mapping, and Cause and Effect Analysis, to delve into these narratives. It involved a purposeful sample of 180 children, ranging from 6 to 19 years old, including school-goers, herd boys, children with disabilities, and teenagers. It occurred in diverse regions of Lesotho (Lowlands, Mountains, Foothills, and Senqu River Valley). This comprehensive approach also encompassed 18 Focus Group Discussions, enriched by Key Informant Interviews with local stakeholders. RESULTS Key findings from this study highlight significant issues in health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), education, nutrition, and child protection. The study underscores the challenges in accessing general healthcare services, particularly stressing the importance of sexual and reproductive health in high HIV/AIDS prevalence areas. The need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure is critically emphasised. In education, children and youth advocate for greater equity and inclusivity. The impact of climate change on nutrition is evident, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition, with high prevalence of stunting. Participants highlighted key facets of child protection, emphasising the increased vulnerability and exploitation of children and youth, alongside a considerable risk of gender-based and sexual violence. CONCLUSIONS Participants powerful testimonies advocate for a paradigm shift towards more inclusive and youth-involved policymaking, challenging the dominance of adult-centric approaches and calling for a holistic integration of their perspectives in programmes and policies.