“At the heart of current societal challenges is the critical issue of adolescent health in Nigeria. In a country where youth make up a significant portion of the population, it is imperative to ensure a robust health system that is responsive to their specific needs. It is against this backdrop that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, is taking bold steps to strengthen adolescent health services across the country.
Integrating adolescent-specific services into primary health care is a critical first step in this journey. The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE, aims to provide adolescent girls with access to menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education and mental health support. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that young girls have the resources they need to thrive and prosper.
Professor Ali Pate highlights the importance of strengthening adolescent health systems across Nigeria. It highlights the need to improve adolescent nutrition, combat gender-based violence and provide young people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and future.
Adolescent mental health is also a key concern. The Ministry of Health has established a National Mental Health Programme to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide appropriate support to young people in distress. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Professor Pate stresses the importance of giving mental health the same attention as physical health.
To address these challenges, the Ministry has put in place initiatives such as the Expanded Sector and Health Sector Investments to ensure that no one is left behind. In addition, a dedicated Adolescent and School Health Wing has been established to promote specific programmes such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, Adolescent Friendly Health Services and the AGILE initiative.
In conclusion, investing in adolescent health is a critical investment in Nigeria’s future. By ensuring their well-being and resilience, we build the foundations of a thriving and prosperous society. Professor Ali Pate and the Ministry of Health embody this commitment by working tirelessly to strengthen adolescent health systems across the country.”