Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 16-24 living in remote villages in Lesotho continue to face significant challenges in accessing crucial sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, according to a recent study.
The research, which used qualitative data from focus group discussions, revealed a critical gap in SRH awareness and access, leaving this vulnerable group at an increased risk of HIV infection, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Conducted by researchers from the University Hospital Basel, the Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and SolidarMed, the study underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions in underserved rural communities.
Findings from the focus groups indicated a limited understanding of basic SRH concepts among participants. Alarmingly, widespread misconceptions about the effectiveness of condom use persisted, directly contributing to higher risks of poor health outcomes.
In addition to gaps in knowledge, the study identified significant barriers to accessing existing SRH services. These included the geographical isolation of villages, high transport costs, and a strong preference among young women for receiving services from trusted individuals—highlighting the importance of confidentiality in healthcare delivery.
The research further supported existing knowledge that low uptake and poor adherence to SRH services among AGYW stemmed from insufficient or misleading information, social stigma, and systemic access issues. These challenges were especially pronounced in hard-to-reach areas where health facilities were often understaffed, offered inconvenient service hours, and were perceived as providing low-quality care.
In its discussion, the study emphasised the urgent need for community-based education initiatives to address the knowledge gaps and persistent misconceptions. The participants’ reliance on trusted sources for health services underscored the importance of culturally sensitive approaches and the assurance of confidentiality to encourage service utilisation.
The researchers called on stakeholders to prioritise interventions that not only deliver accurate and comprehensive SRH education but also tackle the logistical and cultural barriers hindering access for AGYW in remote parts of Lesotho. Overcoming these challenges, they stressed, was essential to reducing HIV infections, preventing unintended pregnancies, and improving the overall health and well-being of young women across the country.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
