Stakeholders advocate for multisectoral action for youth health
By Folasade Akpan
Stakeholders have called for a multisectoral strategy to strengthen Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Development (AYSRH&D) programming and investment in Nigeria.
This is contained in a communiqué issued in Abuja, following a two-day National Policy Dialogue held from Aug. 25 to 26.
The event was convened by the Society for Family Health (SFH) in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, and Youth Development.
The communiqué emphasised integrating adolescent health into national reforms, institutionalising meaningful youth leadership, and scaling up effective models like SFH’s Adolescent 360 (A360).
It recommended developing youth health profiles at national and state levels for use as accountability tools and encouraged the mobilisation of domestic resources through private sector partnerships to reduce donor dependency.
“Expanding health insurance coverage to address adolescent needs and strengthening youth-friendly services, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and digital innovations, were also highlighted.
“Additionally, stakeholders underscored the importance of engaging parents, communities, and traditional and religious leaders to reduce stigma and increase local ownership.”
The dialogue identified key barriers including weak accountability, inadequate financing, limited services, donor dependence, and symbolic youth participation.
Participants stressed that with more than 60 per cent of the population under 25, investing in adolescent health was vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage, economic growth, and national development.
The forum called for stronger policy implementation, sustainable domestic financing, meaningful youth engagement, and enhanced coordination across sectors.
It aligned its recommendations with ongoing government reforms and global frameworks, asserting that harnessing Nigeria’s demographic dividend required integrating health, education, digital access, gender equity, and social protection into youth development strategies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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