African Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN)/ Gabon section was officially launched, under the presence of the Resident Representative of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Gabon, Mr. Keita OHASHI on 19th December 2019. The ceremony was held in the multipurpose room of the Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of Gabon located in the AVEA district.
AfriYAN is an international network NGO founded in Lusaka, Zambia in 2005, now expanding bases across Africa. The general vision of the AfriYAN is mobilizing young people engaged in the fight against Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs) and HIV / AIDS, in awareness-rising activities on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) of Youth and Adolescent, and on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as gateways integrating other issues of health and development in Africa. AfriYAN/Gabon was created in November 2017, with Mrs. Irma KENGUE TIONGA as the president, with the cooperation of the then-Resident Representative of UNFPA Gabon, Doctor Mamadou KANTE.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Mr. OHASHI congratulated their official launch. UNFPA is an international organization that promotes the field of SRH, such as the prevention of early pregnancy, STIs and HIV/AIDS, and GBV. In his speech, he mentioned that UNFPA Gabon was ready to cooperate with AfriYAN in this area not only with financial support but also with technical support referring to the cooperation with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency(JICA) Volunteers.
UNFPA’s Resident Representative, Mr. Keita OHASHI(center), Group photo with members of AfriYAN Gabon, JICA volunteers, and other partners
Following his speech, Mrs. KENGUE thanked UNFPA Gabon, RENAPS(National network for the promotion of SRH of Youth and Adolescents), and other partners, and then, called for the mobilization for adhering to the network.
Furthermore, the general secretary of AfriYAN/Gabon, Mr. Guy Quentin NGUEMA gave a presentation, explaining the background of the founding of AfriYAN, and the function, vision and activities of the Gabon section.
General secretary of AfriYAN/Gabon, Mr. Guy Quentin NGUEMA, giving his presentation
Finally, at a press conference, Mrs. KENGUE also stated that AfriYAN/Gabon wanted to expand its activities not only in the capital but also inside the country.
