Background: The impacts of climate change on sexual and reproductive health include increases in GBV, strained access to SRH services resulting in unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases,among others. Furthermore, these are accelerated in vulnerable groups, including young people and women.Policy actions and climate change responses in most countries, including Uganda, neglect issues regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and primarily address climate-sensitive diseases, hunger, and malnutrition. To further advocate for the integration of Sexual Reproductive Health in Climate Change mitigation plans in Uganda, Ngabo Youth-Friendly Services Centre requested evidence on what strategies can enhance youthsâ role in the mitigation of Climate change effects and Sexual Reproductive Health. Rapid Response Question: What strategies can enhance youthsâ role in the mitigation of climate change effects on Sexual and Reproductive Health?Findings: Generally, there are limited evaluations of strategies enhancing youthâs roles in the mitigation of climate change effects on SRH. To inform this brief, we draw on information related to strategies for mitigation of climate change effects on SRH, and youth engagement in democracy, rights, and governance.Strategies that can enhance youthsâ role in the mitigation of Climate change effects on Sexual and Reproductive Health must be multi-sectoral and context-specific to reflect priorities and situational differences among youths, especially girls, disadvantaged youths, and youths living with disabilities, and these include.o Enhance youthsâ especially girlsâ education by building girlsâ green skills, through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.o Enhance financial empowerment for youths to reduce their vulnerability to climate change effects by strengthening technical and vocational skills among girls and women andsupporting projects for the rural poor and those living within areas most likely to be affected by climate change.o Build youth capacity in leadership, communication, and engagement to effectively participate in governance, advocacy, and decision-making processes through role modelingand mentoring in leadership in communities and schools.o Enhance youthsâ knowledge and skills in mitigating the effects of climate change on SRHthrough sensitizations in workshops, youth clubs and sports and games.o Support youthâs access to Sexual Reproductive Health services to reduce their vulnerability to climate change effects.For effective youth engagement, consider the following: engage youths in solutions and decision-making processes, give leadership roles to girls and young women, promote trust between youths and their leaders and institutions, provide incentives and subsidies to youths, involve boys and young men as agents of change, build relationships with others members of the community such as local leaders, parents, culturaland religious leaders, encourage public-private partnerships for sustainable support to youths.Conclusion: It is important to engage youths in strategies aimed at mitigating climate change effects on Sexual Reproductive Health. Enhance education, especially for girls, enhance youthsâ leadership skills ingovernance, advocacy, and decision-making processes, empower youths to create self-employment opportunities, and also consider enhancing collaborations among youths, enhancing their knowledge and skills through workshops and increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services. However, the strategies must be multi-sectoral and context-specific to reflect priorities and situational differences among youth, especially girls, disadvantaged youths, and youths living with disabilities.
