Sofia, February 8-10, 2021
The first online meeting of the project “Youth Voices, Youth Choices” was held on February 8-10, 2021. The project "Youth Voices, Youth Choices" (2021-2023) is a 30-month international project implemented in Bulgaria by the Bulgarian Family Planning and Sexual Health Association (BFPA). Partner organizations from Albania, BiH, Kosovo and Northern Macedonia will implement similar initiatives in their countries. The project is implemented with the coordinative role of the International Planned Parenthood Federation with the support of the programme for socially responsible business of the company MSD and aims to create more accessible and youth-friendly SRH services and information, paying special attention to the most vulnerable groups.
During the three days of the virtual meeting the discussion was focused on the implementation of the first activities and how to ensure the active participation of young people at all levels. The main target group, young people aged 14-30, will be involved at all levels of the project implementation. Experts from different sectors (medical doctors, health care providers, psychologists, decision makers, field experts etc.) will consult young people and support the development of recommendations at national and regional level to improve health systems and services in the 5 countries, including in the field of telemedicine.
During this project launch emphasis was given on the forthcoming research and development of methodology for the impact of COVID-19 on young people's access to SRH services. The research will be conducted in the 5 countries. The results will be used to plan the next steps related to the creation of online and offline educational tools, trainings and information campaigns.
