1. The project addressed major barriers preventing young people from accessing healthcare.
Many adolescents and young people in Mombasa face challenges of accessing healthcare that is confidential, affordable, non-judgmental, and responsive to their needs. These barriers are even greater for key and vulnerable populations, who often experience violence, discrimination, and stigma, from routine health services. To respond to these gaps, MSF supported the Mombasa County Department of Health in implementing the County Adolescent and Youth Health Strategy, through a Youth Friendly Services (YFS) model in Bamburi, Junda, and Ganjoni dispensaries from 2022 to April 2026.
2. The model offered integrated, peer-led healthcare tailor-made for young people.
The Youth Friendly Services model combined multiple services provided in the health facilities and mobile clinics including primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, mental healthcare, HIV and hepatitis-related services, health promotion, peer support, social work, and referral pathways. Young people accessed care in an environment designed to be welcoming and relevant to their needs, with peer educators playing a central role in service delivery and engagement.
3. More than 87,000 consultations were provided over four years.
Between 2022 and 2026, the project delivered 100,678 consultations to adolescents and young people:
- 72,480 facility-based consultations
- 28,198 consultations through medical outreach activities
Community outreach, mobile clinics, and moonlight activities helped extend services beyond health facilities and reached marginalized and hard-to-reach young people, including key and vulnerable populations.
4. The service model contributed to measurable improvements in young people's health and well-being.
Evidence from the multi-year Mombasa Youth Study showed that the youth-friendly service model was associated with significant positive health outcomes. These demonstrate the value of integrated, youth-responsive healthcare in improving both physical and mental health outcomes:
-
33% increase in healthcare access
-
20% reduction in depression
-
12% increase in HIV testing
-
40% increase in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake
-
23% increase in help-seeking among survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
While beneficial for all young people, the youth-friendly approach was especially valuable for young key populations such as sex workers, people who use drugs, transgender and gender non-binary people, who face more social marginalization, violence, and barriers to healthcare. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the approach helped improve their engagement and retention in care.
5. The project has been handed handover to the Mombasa County Department of Health.
After four years, MSF has transferred the Youth-Friendly Services to the Mombasa County Department of Health, following close collaboration with health authorities, healthcare workers, peer educators, and communities. The project delivered over 87,000 consultations and generated valuable lessons to support future adolescent and youth health programmes while ensuring continued care for young people in Mombasa. Our teams remain engaged in Mombasa and keep investing in alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable groups in Mombasa.