FUTURO project to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young people in Angola comes to an end

On October 11, the closing ceremony of FUTURO, a project focused on improving the sexual and reproductive health of young people in Angola, took place. Funded by the European Union, the project has been implemented from 2020 to 2024 and has been coordinated by the International Health and Tropical Medicine Unit of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital-Drassanes and the Infectious Diseases group of the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).

The event, which took place at the municipal administration of Lobito, brought together government and traditional authorities, collaborating entities and young people from the community who have actively participated in the project. During the event, a summary of the main activities carried out and the results achieved was made, highlighting the positive impact of the project in improving knowledge and attitudes about sexual and reproductive health of young people in the municipalities of Cubal and Lobito.

Throughout its implementation, Project FUTURO has carried out numerous training and community awareness activities aimed at empowering young people on sexual and reproductive health issues. Notable initiatives include an audiovisual campaign co-created by the youth participants of the project that has been disseminated through social networks, radio and trainings in schools and the community.

This project has not only improved knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, but has also fostered the creation of spaces for dialogue and reflection between the young people and the authorities, thus contributing to the consolidation of effective communication channels.

Project FUTURO has become a benchmark in the promotion of sexual health in Angola, and its completion marks an important milestone. However, the commitment of youth, authorities and partners continues, and it is hoped that the lessons learned and relationships built will endure through a new project funded by the European Union, the CHANCE project. This project, which will also be coordinated by the Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit of Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, will continue with part of the actions of the FUTURO project, increasing the groups of beneficiaries and supporting the development of youth organizations recently created, but with great potential for development. This consolidates the sexual and reproductive health research line of the Unit in Angola.