Higher education institutions habour a large number of young adults at their peak years of sexual activity. As such they are an important target population for HIV and sexuality education which is essential to ensure that they have the knowledge to protect themselves from HIV, other STIs and unintended pregnancies. According to the National Council for Higher Education 2018 report, university enrolment in Namibia increased from 46,963 students to 59,208 between the period 2014 and 2018. The period of university admission often represents the first time that many young people experience “real” independence from their parents, guardians, relatives, and teachers who supported and guided them during the early teen years. Many young people are unable to successfully handle the complete independence that comes with university life, making them vulnerable to negative SRH outcomes. Against that background, UNESCO in partnership with Ministry of Higher Education Training and Innovation conducted a situation analysis on the status of sexual and reproductive health of students in higher education and tertiary institutions in Namibia.
The situation analysis was intended to further UNESCO and partners’ understanding of the current issues affecting young people's sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. A validation meeting for the report is scheduled for the 6th of July 2021 (virtual). The meeting targets the key stakeholders in higher education and HIV response at large.