•Isiolo Youth and Stakeholders Unite in Multi-Agency Effort to Combat Health and Social Challenges
In a united front to address pressing health and social issues affecting young people, the Maisha Youth Movement—Isiolo Chapter—recently spearheaded a comprehensive awareness campaign in collaboration with a wide range of government and civil society partners.
The initiative, held under the theme of promoting adolescent and youth health, drew support from the County Government of Isiolo, the Office of the County Commissioner, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Isiolo, the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), NACADA, MID-P, and the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link, among others.
Led by Regional Coordinator Nur Juma, who oversees the Maisha Youth Movement’s activities in Isiolo, Meru, and Marsabit, the event aimed to confront the escalating challenges of HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence (GBV), and drug and substance abuse that continue to threaten the wellbeing of adolescents and young adults in the region.
The campaign placed a strong emphasis on peer-to-peer engagement as a strategic approach to influencing behaviour change among young people.
Through interactive discussions, mentorship sessions, and awareness forums, the initiative fostered an environment where adolescents could openly engage on sensitive topics while accessing accurate, life-saving health information.
“Peer-led interventions are proving to be among the most effective ways to create lasting impact.”said Nur Juma.
“Young people are more likely to relate to and trust their peers when discussing sensitive issues such as sexual health, substance use, and violence,” he added, emphasizing the importance of youth-led advocacy.
During the event, KMTC Isiolo Principal Madam Zipporah Kimanthi raised the alarm over the rising number of students affected by health and social issues, noting that these challenges are not only disrupting education but also putting the future of the youth at risk.
“As an institution tasked with training future healthcare professionals, we recognize our responsibility to lead conversations and interventions that support youth wellbeing.” Madam Kimanthi stated.
“We are committed to being part of the solution by fostering awareness, providing support services, and encouraging responsible decision-making,” she added.
The forum served as a platform for dialogue among stakeholders, enabling the exchange of ideas and strategies to strengthen youth-centered programming.
Representatives from various sectors echoed the need for coordinated, sustained efforts to address the root causes of adolescent health vulnerabilities, particularly in marginalized counties such as Isiolo.
By integrating public health, education, security, and community voices, the campaign aligns with national priorities, including the goal to End AIDS by 2030 and the broader agenda of achieving universal health coverage.
Organisers and participants called for continued investment in youth development programs, improved access to sexual and reproductive health services, and stricter enforcement of laws protecting minors from exploitation and abuse.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment among all partners to deepen collaboration and ensure that no young person is left behind in the fight against preventable health and social crises.
Share This Post