The Youth Advocacy for Decision-Making/Action (YADA) project is a one-year AU–EU Youth Action Lab funded initiative implemented by the Mbale Network of Young People Living with HIV/AIDS (MNYPA) in Mbale and Kumi Districts. The project addresses the persistent exclusion of young people from health governance structures such as Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs) and District AIDS Committees (DACs), which are often dominated by adults and political appointees. This exclusion limits the ability of young people to influence priorities, budgets, and accountability for health and SRHR services in a region already grappling with high HIV prevalence, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence. YADA seeks to strengthen youth representation in governance, build the capacity of youth leaders in SRHR and budget advocacy, and close accountability gaps that hinder youth participation. Key interventions include conducting a baseline on youth representation, training youth leaders, organizing district barazas for dialogue, and engaging in power mapping with decision-makers. By targeting youth leaders, councilors, CSOs, and marginalized groups such as YPLHIV, AGYW, and youth with disabilities, YADA aims to ensure that by 2026 young people are not only present but actively influencing decisions, leading to inclusive policies, better resource allocation, and improved SRHR outcomes.
