INVITE: Young Migrants’ Candidacy for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Two Urban Communities in Zambia

Presenter: Melvin Simuyaba (PhD Candidate, African Centre for Migration & Society, Wits University)

DATE: 30 September 2026

TIME: 12:30 – 13:30 (GMT+2)

VENUE: ACMS Seminar Room (2163), Solomon Mahlangu House (2nd floor), East Campus, Wits University (directions) and Online (Meeting ID: 92528515079. Password: o_yjP42MH6)

Abstract:
This study describes mobile adolescents and young people’s (mAYP) experiences accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in two urban communities in Zambia. Qualitative research data collected between September 2023 and June 2026 were used to understand how mAYP’s eligibility for SRH services is negotiated using the seven stages of the candidacy framework. The study findings revealed that despite mAYP expressing a need for SRH services, factors such as communication barriers, documentation requirements, healthcare workers’ attitudes, lack of essential medicines and lack of youth friendly services result in them not believing the services in public health facilities are intended for them. Improving mAYP’s access to SRH services requires addressing structural and service level barriers responding to their unique needs.

Bio:
Melvin Simuyaba is a PhD candidate at the African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS), at the University of the Witwatersrand. He has a Social Work and Public Health background. His research is nested in an NIHR-funded Nurture4Youth project focusing on young migrants and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in two urban communities in Zambia. His research interests include mobilities, HIV risk behaviours, use of HIV treatment as prevention, adolescents, SRH and marginalised populations.