With approximately 40 per cent of Egypt's population being of young age, adolescent reproductive health was identified as one of the national priorities of Egypt's population and reproductive health strategies. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has adopted a comprehensive approach to providing reproductive health information and services to young people that is progressing gradually within the context of a traditional society. Expanding access through innovative interactive approaches Reproductive health education on issues of early marriage, female genital cutting (FGC), violence against women, safe motherhood, happiness in marriage, and HIV/AIDS prevention are components of this initiative. These issues have been subjects of educational seminars in girls' secondary schools. Conducting such seminars in "conservative" communities was a challenge that was dealt with through active community participation lead by local NGOs and by encouraging student participation in creative contests expressing existing ideas on such topics. Informal health teams formed locally coordinate the dissemination of information for young people in villages. The health team includes service delivery personnel in addition to a group of active and effective members of the community. Members were trained on how to identify problems in their local communities such as early marriage, FGC, and marriage between relatives, and how to address these practices. Information centres were established in schools, youth centres and clinics of an NGO. They contain Arabic written and audio material on reproductive health. In schools and youth centres, the information centre is part of the existing common library and also gives information about the clinics and the services offered to young people. Finally, a group of volunteer youth belonging to the Global Youth Partners (GYP) initiative of UNFPA advocating for HIV/ AIDS prevention developed a work plan to establish three AIDS prevention centres in schools in Al-Mansoura. Involving youth in decisions and activities at all levels of implementation To meet university students' need for education in regard to reproductive health, 16 seminars were held to raise knowledge and awareness levels in Ain Shams University. The activity was planned in collaboration with the Student Union and its different social committees inside the university. The level of attendance and interest was significantly improved as a result of the Union's central role. The Egyptian Family Planning Association (EFPA), an NGO implementing youth reproductive health activities, includes young people in all meetings, and youth participate in making decisions about relevant activities. Building the capacity of young people to take this responsibility was done through attending national and international seminars. Linking these activities with those of the GYP has been a very positive experience. Involving local media in awareness campaigns Local media is sensitive to local needs. TV channels produced programmes addressing reproductive health components with special episodes dedicated to youth needs and available services. Local channels were able to use prominent local figures and local events to promote reproductive health awareness. Gaining the support of main gatekeepers (parents, teachers and religious leaders) is a major factor in achieving success Raising awareness of parents, teachers and religious leaders about young people's reproductive health needs is not enough. Special curricula and training sessions were held in several villages. In spite of their willingness to help young people through developing their reproductive health knowledge and behaviour, gatekeepers sometimes lack the necessary skills of communication. Their knowledge about physiological and psychological issues related to youth can be limited. Also, health providers do often receive training in medical school on communicating with young people, and in their counselling. Muslim and Christian religious leaders had the chance to meet together and to discuss these issues and find common teachings. The training done in Egypt proved very effective.
