Report: Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Youth

Abstract

This technical report examines the integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) youth policies across East and Southern Africa. Produced jointly by the African Population and Health Research Center and the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative under the Challenging the Politics of Social Exclusion project, with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the report reviews the extent to which national and regional SRHR policy frameworks in the region currently address the mental health needs of adolescents and young people. It finds that despite growing recognition of the interdependence between sexual and reproductive health and mental wellbeing, policy integration remains limited and fragmented across most countries reviewed. The report identifies gaps in existing frameworks, documents promising examples of integration where they exist, and offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and program implementers seeking to more effectively align mental health and psychosocial support services with SRHR programming for youth in East and Southern Africa.