Addressing adolescent sexual and reproductive health in the Pacific

Adolescents make up a significant and growing proportion of the population in the Pacific. These young people are just entering their sexual and reproductive years, with the majority reporting onset of sexual activity during this age. Many adolescents ill-prepared for this transition, lacking adequate knowledge about sexual and reproductive health with poor access to comprehensive information and services.

Timeline

2009–2019.

Approach

In 2012, Burnet commenced a community-based randomised controlled trial to evaluate a peer-led intervention to address adolescent pregnancy in Vanuatu. Conducted in partnership with Wan Smolbag, this study has also examined the context of early pregnancy, experiences of sexual violence, and improved understanding of unsafe abortion practices.