ADOLESCENTS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN DECISION MAKING PROCESSES FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH

Dr. Osagie Ehanire
Health Minister

"Expanding such opportunities is key to responding to adolescent specific needs and rights." Ehanire.

"Adolescents also need opportunities to meaningfully participate in the decision and delivery of interventions to improve and maintain their health."

The Hon Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has called for the involvement of adolescents in decision making processes, for their own health and well-being, their empowerment and resilience, their education and skills. 

He made this call at the 2023 International Adolescents Health Week which took place in Abuja.

Ehanire, in a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations Department of the Ministry, Ahmadu A A Chindaya, also remarked that adolescents also need opportunities to meaningfully participate in the decision and delivery of interventions to improve and maintain their health.

"Expanding such opportunities is key to responding to adolescent specific needs and rights," the Minister stated.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary Alhaji Mamuda Mamman who was represented by the Director, Health Promotions, Mrs Ladidi Bako Ayegbusi while availing the challenges facing the health and well-being of adolescents and young people particularly, included the high burden of sexual and reproductive health issues including substance and drug abuse among others.

"Today the world has more young people than at any time in history yet for too many of today’s 1.8 billion adolescents and youth (ages 10 – 24) fall short of potential if current policy and investment approaches fail to meet their needs. 

"Adolescent mothers (ages 10 -19 years) face higher risks of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections than women aged 20 to 24 years, and their babies face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm delivery and severe neonatal conditions.

The Hon Minister finally reiterate that adolescents have equal right to health care access, continuity of care, confidentiality of care, preventive care, and desired measurable health outcomes that should be highly rewarded by all stakeholders to help promote high-quality adolescent health care service delivery in Nigeria.

In the same vein, he appreciated all partners CSOs, young people, MDAs, Religious and community leaders, all other Stakeholders for their various supports.