In an earnest call to action, UNICEF has urged governments at all levels in Nigeria to give priority to specific measures aimed at tackling critical health challenges plaguing the nation.
Dr. Lu Wei Pearson, Associate Director of Maternal and Newborn Child Health at UNICEF made the plea during a two-day visit to adolescent health programming centres in Lagos.
Among the centers that garnered attention during the visit were the Tolu Community in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, the Hello Lagos Adolescent and Youth Friendly Centre at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Iwaya Primary Health Centre in Yaba, Lagos Mainland LGA, and the Atan Street Empire Agege Motor Road facility.
Expressing concern over gaps in the Nigerian health sector, Pearson highlighted the nation’s abundant resources in the face of its significant lag in human development indicators.
“Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child mortality, maternal mortality, malnutrition, and other health issues,” Pearson lamented. He stressed the pivotal role young people and social media influencers play in driving positive change by holding governments and health institutions accountable.
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Dr. Victoria Isiramen, a Health Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, added her insights by emphasizing the necessity of involving young individuals consistently in discussions concerning crucial health matters that directly impact them.
Beyond sexual reproductive health, Isiramen highlighted the diverse range of concerns young people grapple with, including mental health, peer pressure, lack of parental support, financial stress for girls, and challenging environments.
Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, another Health Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, underscored the importance of establishing operational Primary Health Centers (PHCs) within local wards to expand the accessibility of health services. These PHCs are critical as they serve as the primary gateway for grassroots healthcare, reflecting UNICEF’s advocacy for functional and comprehensive healthcare infrastructure.
UNICEF’s active engagement with young individuals in their initiatives received commendations from Dr. Egemba Chinonso, a prominent social media influencer known as ‘Aproko Doctor.’ Chinonso applauded UNICEF’s approach to educating young people about pertinent health issues, providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and insights.
Reality TV personality, Bamike Olawumi, popularly known as Bambam, echoed the sentiments, praising UNICEF for offering young individuals the opportunity to receive education on reproductive health and overall well-being. Olawumi urged enhanced efforts in raising awareness and proposing solutions to address the pressing issues impacting the youth across the nation.
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