On June 6, 2023, Dr. Justine Coulson, the Representative to China of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), visited the Institute for Global Health and Development at Peking University (IGHD) to deliver a lecture and engage in discussions on "Psychological and Reproductive Health of Young Women in Africa." Ms. Wen Hua, Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at UNFPA, Ms. Liu Shujun, Press Officer at UNFPA, Professor Liu Guoen, Director of IGHD, and Dr. Xu Ming, Dean of the Department of Global Health at Peking University, were among those present at the event. Dr. Xu Ming served as the host for the event. Faculty, students, and professionals from domestic universities and relevant institutions participated in the event both online and offline.

Dr. Coulson began by introducing the organizational mission and past work of the UNFPA. She then elaborated on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health issues affecting young women in Africa, focusing particularly on the relationship between mental health and sexual and reproductive health. Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being, and sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental to sustainable development.

One in seven adolescents aged 10-19 suffers from mental disorders globally, with the prevalence of mental health disorders and substance abuse increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. Early pregnancy and various forms of gender-based violence, among other sexual and reproductive health issues, continue to impact the mental health of adolescents worldwide. As crucial intermediaries between young women and healthcare services, sexual and reproductive health services provide an excellent opportunity for integrating mental health services. Currently, the challenge lies in how to integrate prevention and response to mental health issues with sexual and reproductive health services effectively.

During the discussion session, Professor Liu, Dr. Xu, and the attending faculty and students engaged in an exchange with Dr. Coulson on topics such as the progress in mental health and reproductive health, integration of mental health and reproductive health services, healthcare financing, and the accessibility of relevant data. At the conclusion, Dr. Coulson urged researchers and professionals to pay attention to the fields of mental health and sexual and reproductive health and to make efforts to advance research in these areas.

(Interpreted by Waverly Shi)