The federal government of Nigeria has announced plans to integrate adolescent-specific services into the country’s primary healthcare system. This initiative is part of the broader Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, aimed at providing adolescent girls with access to essential services, including menstrual hygiene education, reproductive health education, and mental health support.
During a press conference on Thursday, coinciding with the 2024 International Adolescent Health Week, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammad Ali Pate, reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing adolescent health systems across Nigeria.
Pate emphasized the need to improve adolescent nutrition, combat gender-based violence, and ensure that young people receive the information necessary to make informed decisions about their health and futures. He noted that this year’s theme, “Thriving, Not Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience,” calls for action to help young people grow and flourish while equipping them to navigate life’s challenges with strength and confidence.
He stated, “Adolescence is a critical stage of life, characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and mental development. Our young people are shaping their identities, exploring their passions, and setting the foundation for their future as adults.”
Pate highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by adolescents, including mental health issues, gender-based violence, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and bullying, in addition to structural challenges such as poverty, inadequate access to quality healthcare, and lack of education.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of investing in the health and resilience of adolescents, stating, “Ensuring their health and well-being is not just an investment in their personal futures but also in the future of our communities, our economy, and our country.”