Youth Day: Aiyedun seeks better sexual health care

United Nations office in Nigeria has underscored the crucial need for universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services as part of its agenda in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

In line with the global goals, it said significant strides were underway in Nigeria to address the issues. Accordingly, the body’s Change leader, Mercy Oiza Aiyedun, launched a campaign to advance reproductive health services for young people.

Her proposal, which is now available for support, called on the Minister of Health and the Chairman of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Board to prioritise the implementation of the national guidelines for integrating adolescent and youth-friendly services into Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across Nigeria.

“Despite having some of the most progressive policies in the region, Nigeria has struggled with the actual implementation of these guidelines. The goal of my campaign is to ensure these policies are implemented both at the sub-national and national levels within the country, which would encourage better health-seeking behaviours among youths, and empower them with adequate knowledge and skills for their protection.

It will also help to reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions such as permanent damage to vital reproductive organs, contracting STIs, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions,” Aiyedun said.