Experts, among whom are health professionals, academics, and reproductive and sexual education experts, have urged governments at all levels to provide adequate information about sexual and reproductive health education to adolescents and teenagers.
They noted that this is necessary in order to tackle unwanted pregnancies among adolescents.
The experts made this declaration on Tuesday at a health week seminar, which was part of a week-long health event organised by Premier College of Health Technology, Ibadan, Oyo State.
It was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kehinde Akintunde Ayinde, who was represented by Dr. Adeniji Olanrewaju.
The guest lecturer and a Consultant Public Health Physician at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Funmilola OlaOlorun, who spoke on the topic “Adolescents’ Health and Development,” described the adolescent period as one of the most challenging periods.
She said that advocacy and resource mobilisation are very important in dealing with the challenges facing adolescents in the country.
The experts who spoke at the panel discussion include a lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Ibadan, Dr. Abimbola Afolabi; Technical Director of Reproductive Health, Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Morounfolu Okunfulure; Regional Clinic Officer of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, Adebunmi Adesope; representative of the Country Director of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Mr. Abimbola Fadoye; MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices Regional Manager, South West, Omeche Enemaku; a representative of Great Insurance Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Adesanya; and a student of the institution, Mudi Rahma.
The experts, while speaking on the topic “Challenges and Solutions to Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues,” advised governments at all levels to provide the necessary information on sexual and reproductive health to the citizens, especially adolescents.
They called on the government to make information about sexual education and reproductive health available for adolescents.
They also advised parents and health workers not to discriminate against adolescents who are in need of information.
“They should be provided with mental health and psychosocial support. The government should involve youths in programmes that affect them. We need to ensure formulation of policies to address these problems. Then beyond that, we need to ensure implementation of the existing policies and enforcement.
“Parents should be ready to face realities. We should not run away from these children. Let us have open conversations with our children. Health professionals should be ready not to judge any adolescent that comes to them for information. The Ministry of Education should make reproductive and sexual education a subject to be taught as a compulsory subject. The government should also ensure that services for adolescents are youth-friendly.”
Provost of the college, Dr. Kayode Afolabi, in his welcome address, noted that the programme was organised in recognition of the significance of adolescents’ health in shaping the future of society.
He said, “As we embark on this week-long celebration, we recognize the significance of adolescents’ health in shaping the future of our society. Adolescents, typically aged 10–19 years, are a vital demographic, and investing in their health and development is crucial for their growth, productivity, and contributions to our communities. In Nigeria, adolescents and youth make up a significant portion of the population. A report from the United Nations General Assembly states that approximately 32% of Nigerians are aged 10–24, which can be considered adolescents and youth.”
