By Ojoma Akor
The coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has enjoined states to establish a dedicated budget line for adolescent health in their annual budgets.
He made the call Tuesday in Abuja during a news briefing organized by the federal ministry of health in collaboration with other partners to commemorate this year’s International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW).
Represented by the Director Human Resource Department of the ministry, Tetshoma Dafeta, he said, “currently, the ministry has a funded budget line for adolescent health development, and states that do not currently have are encouraged to establish one.”
While saying that Nigeria has a population of 23% adolescents, the minister said it goes without saying, ” that to secure and sustain our future economic, social and political progress and stability, Nigeria needs to make a strong commitment in closing the gaps in the health and development of its adolescents.”
He said the ministry has an adolescent and school health branch that responds to adolescent health programs and interventions.
He also said that the ministry has developed and implemented several adolescent health development policies, including the national adolescent health policy, a clinical protocol on adolescent health and development, guidelines and training manuals, among others.
“There is also the adolescent health development subcommittee, which serves as a coordination platform to finally review adolescent health interventions and programs for improved implementation of the initiative.”
The minister also said that the national adolescent health development training manual is leveraged to build the capacity of frontline health workers at all levels of service delivery.
He added that however, a lot more needs to be done for adolescents as too often, adolescents and young people’s health are viewed narrowly, and they are often portrayed negative.
He said, “Adolescents are often kept away from participating in activities that determine their future, their voices regarding decisions and policies that affect them directly are not considered international. “Adolescent health is an excellent opportunity for Nigeria to join its counterparts globally with full participation of adolescents and adolescent focused organizations to be the light on adolescent health and developmental issues.”
Prof Pate said this year’s IAHW theme, “Thriving inside-out means we must adopt a holistic approach that matters both their physical and mental health. Thriving inside out means recognizing that their physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing are deeply interconnected. One cannot flourish without the other.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu said adolescent deaths significantly contribute to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality ratio, adding that addressing preventable adolescent deaths will positively impact maternal health outcomes.
He said this year’s theme calls on everyone to empower adolescents with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s complex world. “By promoting resilience, we nurture a generation that is not just surviving, but flourishing,” he said.
He highlighted that there was need to prioritize adolescent health in national development plans and strategies, increase investment and ensure data-driven actions to better understand their challenges and opportunities, and also create safe spaces where adolescents can voice concerns, share experiences, and access support among others.
Peculiar Bassey, a young pupil who spoke on behalf of adolescents from Karmajiji Junior Secondary School Abuja, said many young people today deal with several challenges.
She called on the government to make physical and mental health services more accessible and youth-friendly. She also urged teachers to look out for students who might be struggling silently, and encouraged parents and communities to listen without judgment.
Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, the Group Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), expressed commitment to nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.
