The CHANCE project highlights the need to work on prevention and improve sexual education in Angola

The preliminary findings of the first cross-sectional study of the CHANCE project (Strategies to improve knowledge and attitudes of young Angolans in sexual and reproductive health) were presented during the Primeira Feira de Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva, held on 8 and 9 May in Lobito (Angola). Funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) — particularly through the Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit of the Infectious Diseases Department — this initiative aims to empower teenagers and young adults by providing them with information, services, and safe spaces so they can exercise their sexual and reproductive rights.

The results of the first study, which surveyed teenagers and young adults aged 11 to 25 in the municipalities of Lobito and Cubal, revealed some alarming figures that demand urgent action. 56.3% of girls reported having experienced sexual violence, while 20% said they had stopped participating in certain activities due to menstruation. Other significant findings include the fact that 40% of 18- to 25-year-olds admitted to engaging in risky sexual behaviour and that 27% stated they did not use condoms during their most recent sexual encounter. These figures highlight the urgent need for a structured response that prioritises prevention, protection, and education from an early age. As Esperanza Esteban, general coordinator of the project, stated: '"This programme demonstrates that science should not remain confined to laboratories. When it joins forces with civil society, it becomes a tool for real transformation”.

During the opening ceremony of the Feira, Carlos Pacatolo, the Municipal Administrator of Lobito, emphasised the importance of this project as a catalyst for change among local young people, ensuring that the most vulnerable groups are not left behind in the process of development. "The Lobito Corridor cannot just be a route for transporting goods. It must also be a corridor for human development. To achieve this, we need projects that prioritise people, as CHANCE is doing.”

One of this initiative's distinctive features is its work with traditionally marginalised groups, such as sex workers and LGBTI individuals, to ensure that sexual and reproductive health strategies address their specific needs. Equity, participation, and a gender-sensitive approach are key pillars in the programme's design and implementation.

The CHANCE project has a four-year lifespan and is being implemented in the municipalities of Lobito and Cubal. The project involves Angolan civil society organisations and the Instituto Superior Politécnico Jean Piaget de Benguela. Based on strong partnerships between academia and the community, it builds on VHIR’s previous work in Angola, including the FUTURO project (Ferramentas Inovadoras para a Educação e Empoderamento em Saúde Sexual Juvenil, 2020–2024) and CRESCER (Componente IV do Programa FRESAN para a Geração de Evidência Científica em Nutrição Infantil), both of which have been underway since 2020.

CHANCE's implementation reflects Vall d’Hebron University Hospital's — particularly the Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit within the Infectious Diseases Department — long-standing commitment to improving the health of the Angolan population. For over 18 years, the team led by Dr Israel Molina has been collaborating with the country through research projects, technical support and training in maternal, child and youth health in vulnerable regions.