Guinea is hosting the 12th African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ACSHR) from September 2 to 5, 2026, bringing together policymakers, health professionals, researchers, civil society representatives, and youth delegations from across the continent.
Convened under the theme “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Adolescent Girls and Young People in Africa in the Face of Multifaceted Crises,” the summit addresses systemic barriers facing young populations amid compounding regional emergencies and declining international donor funding. Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah officially opened the proceedings, framing the gathering as a platform to share regional solutions and secure concrete policy commitments.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene Khaïté Sall outlined Guinea’s ongoing structural health reforms, characterizing health sector spending as a foundational investment in human capital aligned with the country’s broader Simandou 2040 socio-economic framework. She emphasized that expanding equitable care access remains vital to national dignity and long-term economic development. Prime Minister Bah reinforced this stance, declaring that youth health, education, and social protection are primary drivers of continental progress that must be systematically integrated into national development agendas across both urban and rural settings.
The Prime Minister further urged delegates to design tailored public health messaging and prevention strategies that resonate directly with youth, advocating for inclusive policies that drive lasting behavioral change. Over the four-day conference, international partners and state representatives aim to establish actionable frameworks to safeguard youth health rights, enhance access to care, and build resilient health systems capable of sustaining service delivery during economic and environmental crises.
TE/lb/abj/APA