This year, the iAccelerator Programme is set to launch its seventh phase. This phase will focus on encouraging young social entrepreneurs to generate innovative solutions in response to challenges related to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH), including HIV prevention and menstrual health, promoting mental health awareness and knowledge to help build inclusive, barrier-free communities.
Mental Health Status in Rwanda
According to the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) 2023/24, Rwanda has a large youth population. Young people aged 16–30 years account for about 27% of the total population, with the youth population increasing from approximately 3.17 million in 2016/17 to about 3.64 million in 2023/24, highlighting the importance of investing in youth empowerment and opportunities.
Additionally, young people aged 15–24 remain a significant part of Rwanda’s population, yet access to sexual and reproductive health services is limited.
Despite Rwanda’s socio‑economic progress, young people continue to face significant sexual and reproductive health challenges. According to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS 2025), 8 % of girls aged 15–19 have been pregnant, with the proportion of adolescents who have ever been pregnant rising sharply with age—from under 1 % at age 15 to 20 % by age 19 in 2025, indicating ongoing vulnerability to unintended pregnancies. The teenage pregnancy rate increased from 7.5% in 2015 to 8% in 2025, and slightly reduced to 5% in 2020.
In addition, new HIV infections among adolescents and young women aged 15–24 account for about 24% of new infections, up from 22%, according to UNAIDS Rwanda (2023).
Challenges related to menstrual health management also continue to affect many adolescents, with limited access to menstrual hygiene products, information, and supportive environments affecting girls’ health, dignity, and school participation
Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) Status in Rwanda
According to the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) 2023/24, Rwanda has a large youth population. Young people aged 16–30 years account for about 27% of the total population, with the youth population increasing from approximately 3.17 million in 2016/17 to about 3.64 million in 2023/24, highlighting the importance of investing in youth empowerment and opportunities.
Additionally, young people aged 15–24 remain a significant part of Rwanda’s population, yet access to sexual and reproductive health services is limited.
Despite Rwanda’s socio‑economic progress, young people continue to face significant sexual and reproductive health challenges. According to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS 2025), 8 % of girls aged 15–19 have been pregnant, with the proportion of adolescents who have ever been pregnant rising sharply with age—from under 1 % at age 15 to 20 % by age 19 in 2025, indicating ongoing vulnerability to unintended pregnancies. The teenage pregnancy rate increased from 7.5% in 2015 to 8% in 2025, and slightly reduced to 5% in 2020.
In addition, new HIV infections among adolescents and young women aged 15–24 account for about 24% of new infections, up from 22%, according to UNAIDS Rwanda (2023).
Challenges related to menstrual health management also continue to affect many adolescents, with limited access to menstrual hygiene products, information, and supportive environments affecting girls’ health, dignity, and school participation