The federal government says it will integrate adolescent-specific services into primary healthcare in the country.
The government explained that this would be done through initiatives like the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE Project, which ensures that adolescent girls have access to menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education, and mental health support services.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammad Ali Pate, who said this at a press conference on Thursday to mark the 2024 International Adolescent Health Week, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening adolescent health systems across Nigeria.
Pate said his ministry is working to improve adolescent nutrition, combat gender-based violence, and ensure young people have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and future.
The minister,who described the week as a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to focus on one of the most important segments of its population—our adolescents,said “with this year’s theme, “Thriving, Not Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience,” we are called to action, to ensure that the young people of today are growing, flourishing, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, strength and confidence.”
He said:”Adolescence is a critical stage of life. It is a time of rapid physical, emotional, and mental development. Our young people are shaping their identities, exploring their passions, and setting the foundation for the adults they will become.
“But it is also a period marked by significant vulnerability. They face challenges ranging from mental health issues, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviors, bullying in addition to structural barriers like poverty, poor access to quality healthcare, and lack of education.
“As we gather here today, remember that adolescents are not merely our future but a vital part of our present. Their health and well-being will determine the trajectory of our nation’s progress.
“Ensuring their health and resilience is not just an investment in their personal futures but an investment in the future of our communities, our economy, and, indeed, our country.
“This year’s theme, “Building Adolescents’ Resilience,” could not be more timely or relevant.
“Our role, as policymakers, health practitioners, educators, and community leaders, is to create environments that nurture resilience by providing adolescents with access to comprehensive healthcare, mental health support, quality education, and safe spaces by ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support they need, to not only survive but thrive.
“The Federal Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening adolescent health systems across Nigeria.
“The ministry is intensifying efforts to integrate adolescent-specific services into primary healthcare through initiatives like the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, which ensures that adolescent girls have access to menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education, and mental health support services. This initiative promotes male child inclusion to earn their understanding and support.
“The ministry is working to improve adolescent nutrition, combat gender-based violence, and ensure young people have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and future. “
Speaking further,the minister noted that “one of the most pressing issues facing our adolescents today is mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc, which are on the rise, with many young people suffering in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient access to care.”
According to him,” The Ministry of Health is committed to breaking this silence.”
“To address these issues, the ministry has established the National Mental Health program. It is saddled to roll out policies to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and provide adolescents with the support and care they need.
“Mental health must be treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health.
“The ministry has embraced the sector-wide program (SWAp) and National Health Sector Investment Initiatives (NHSII) to ensure no one is left behind,”he added.
He explained that,”Structurally, the ministry has an Adolescent and School Health branch (ASH) to drive adolescent and school health programs.”
” Some of the programs are Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Services(AYFHS), and West and Central African (WCA) Commitment Adolescent Girls Initiative and Learning Education(AGILE). All these have been mainstreamed into the Adolescent Development Health-related policies.”
According to him,”Building adolescent resilience is not the task of one ministry, organisation, or community alone.”
“it requires the concerted efforts of all sectors of society. Together, we must create environments that are safe, supportive, and conducive to the growth and development of our young people,”he said.
While thanking stakeholders for their technical and financial support, he charged them to commit to ensuring that every adolescent in Nigeria, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive—not just survive. “
“Adolescents are active agents of change. They can be incredible drivers of innovation, leadership, and progress when empowered, supported, and equipped,”he noted.
