ABSTRACT:
adolescents, particularly girls, represent a vulnerable population due to physical, emotional and social challenges during their transition to adulthood. in sub-saharan africa, and especially in cameroon, they face increased risks of early pregnancies, hiv/aids, sexually transmitted infections (ist), transgenerational relationships, risky sexual behaviors, substance use and violence. legal, social and cultural barriers continue to limit their access to integrated health services, including sexual, reproductive and mental health.the study used a mixed methodology combining interviews with community-based organizations, institutional actors and central health authorities, along with a documentary review of national and international legal instruments. six major legal gaps were identified and analyzed.the findings highlight six key obstacles: (i) absence of a legal definition of “youth” and “adolescent”; (ii) lack of legal basis for the so-called “health majority”; (iii) rigidity of medical confidentiality in serodiscordant couples; (iv) non-domestication of the maputo protocol on medicalized abortion; (v) absence of a formal legal status for community health workers; and (vi) insufficiently dissuasive sanctions against female genital mutilation. these gaps increase vulnerability and limit equitable access to health services for adolescents and youth.legal reform is essential to reduce vulnerability and guarantee effective, equitable and sustainable access to health services. expected outcomes include a database of restrictive provisions, recommendations for an inclusive legal framework and the establishment of a monitoring working group. by placing youth at the center of public health policies, this study advocates for a protective legal environment that ensures adolescents and young people can fully exercise their right to health.