In a bid to secure a brighter future for Nigeria, stakeholders in adolescent and youth health have emphasized the need for robust partnerships and collaboration to fully harness the country’s policy on adolescent and youth health. The call was made during the Stakeholders Forum on Adolescent and Youth Health Policy in Nigeria held on Sunday, where experts and advocates gathered to discuss the way forward for addressing the health and well being of Nigeria’s young population.
Nigeria, with one of the youngest populations in the world, faces unique challenges when it comes to addressing the health needs of its adolescents and youths. With an estimated 60% of the population under the age of 25, ensuring that young people have access to proper healthcare, education, and opportunities for personal development is critical for the nation's long-term growth and stability.
Adolescent health issues in Nigeria range from sexual and reproductive health challenges to mental health concerns, substance abuse, and nutrition. Addressing these issues effectively requires a comprehensive approach, integrating policy, education, and healthcare services to reach young people where they are whether in schools, communities, or healthcare facilities.
At the forum, various stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and youth advocates, stressed that no single entity can tackle these challenges alone. A multi sectoral approach is necessary to ensure that the national policy on adolescent and youth health is not only effective but also sustainable.
Participants called for stronger collaboration between the government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement programs that support the health, education, and empowerment of young Nigerians. They emphasized the need for more targeted interventions, better resource allocation, and continuous monitoring and evaluation to track progress and make necessary adjustments.
One of the key points raised was the importance of integrating youth voices into the policy-making process. Youth representatives at the forum underscored the need for policies that reflect the lived experiences and realities of young Nigerians, advocating for a more inclusive approach to decision making.
The forum also highlighted the progress made in Nigeria’s existing adolescent and youth health policy but stressed that much more needs to be done. While some policies have been put in place to address issues like family planning, sexual health education, and mental health awareness, there remains a gap in implementation at the grassroots level.
Key recommendations from stakeholders included strengthening the capacity of local health systems to deliver youth friendly services, improving access to sexual and reproductive health education, and creating safer spaces for young people to discuss their health challenges without stigma or judgment. There was also a strong push for better data collection and research to better understand the evolving needs of Nigeria’s young population.
The overarching vision for Nigeria’s adolescent and youth health policy is to create an environment where young people are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to lead healthy and productive lives. This vision aligns with the broader goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
By investing in the health of its young population, Nigeria can set the foundation for a more prosperous future. As the country continues to grow, fostering the well being of its youth will be key to unlocking the potential of its workforce, improving economic outcomes, and creating a more just and equitable society.
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The Stakeholders Forum on Adolescent and Youth Health Policy underscored the critical importance of partnership, collaboration, and strong commitment to addressing the health needs of Nigeria’s young population. As the nation looks ahead, ensuring the well baeing of its youth will not only improve public health outcomes but will also have long alasting positive effects on Nigeria’s sociaal and economic development.
The call for a multi astakeholder approach is a reminder that every sector government, health, education, civil society, and the private sector must come together to support the nation’s adolescent and youth health agenda. With concerted effort, Nigeria can create a healthier, more empowered generation of young people, ready to drive the country forward into a prosperous future.