In Nigeria, a reproductive health project initiative backed by the European Union (EU) and UNICEF is offering a ray of hope to adolescent girls, particularly in Adamawa.
With the unveiling of the “Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH)” project in Adamawa, no fewer than 75,000 adolescent girls are set to benefit annually from the comprehensive initiative.
The project’s long-term impact could be far-reaching, indirectly touching the lives of up to 175,000 people in Adamawa, with plans for expansion into other states such as Kwara and Sokoto.
The EU/UNICEF initiative is more than just a health intervention; it is an investment in Nigeria’s future, targeting adolescent girls who form a significant portion of the population.
Dr Victoria Isiramen, a maternal and newborn health specialist at UNICEF, stressed the importance of investing in young girls for the demographic dividend, which could impact on society’s progress.
“With more than 60 million adolescent girls in Nigeria, providing them with the right support will not only shape their future but empower them as change agents for generations to come,” she said.
As a key partner in this initiative, the government of Adamawa has been lauded for its commitment to improving healthcare for its citizens, particularly the vulnerable adolescent girls.
Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, praised Adamawa for recognising the importance of tackling the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in the state.
“This is a great initiative for people like you, as you are the future mothers of tomorrow.
“You should be strong enough and educated for the success of future generations,” she urged during the project’s rollout.
The significance of the project is underscored by the focus on providing adolescent girls not just with reproductive health services, but also mental health resources.
Dr Bashir Suleiman, the Executive Chairman of Adamawa’s Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said that girls must be empowered with the knowledge to navigate complex societal issues, such as gender-based violence.
He harped on the importance of providing them with the space to thrive in both their education and careers, ensuring they were equipped to become strong leaders and contributors to society.
“We are empowering them to remain in school, pursue their educational development and become economically productive members of society,” Suleiman said.
Meanwhile, the impact of initiatives aimed at empowering adolescent girls is already being witnessed in various states, including Kaduna, where the Centre for Girls Education (CGE) has been training female teachers to become mentors for adolescent girls.
One of the key aspects of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kaduna is the “Safe Space” programme.
This initiative allows girls to meet with mentors outside the formal classroom setting, offering them a unique opportunity to discuss personal challenges, build life skills and gain confidence.
A prime example of the success of this programme is Aishatu Aminu, a public school teacher in Anguwan Sarkin Kogi Hayin Ojo, who was trained as a mentor under the Safe Space initiative.
Aminu has seen firsthand how the programme has transformed the lives of adolescent girls in her community.
“I have witnessed girls become more confident and outspoken and I am excited to see the ripple effect of this initiative.
“The training empowered me to create a supportive environment where the girls feel comfortable sharing their challenges and concerns,” Aminu said.
In Kaduna, where the programme has been scaled up to include 23 Local Government Areas, the Safe Space programme provides a supportive, confidential setting for adolescent girls to talk openly about their concerns.
These mentors have been trained on how to address difficult topics and create an atmosphere of trust, helping the girls feel heard and understood.
Also, one of the most significant challenges facing adolescent girls, particularly in Nigeria’s northern states is the rise in HIV prevalence.
In the North-West and Adamawa, the HIV prevalence among adolescents is alarmingly high.
According to Dr Aisha Dadi, Director of Pediatrics and Adolescent Health at the Society for Family Health (SFH), HIV prevalence among adolescents has risen from 0.2 percent in 2018 to 1.3 percent.
It is worrying to note that adolescent girls are disproportionately affected with a prevalence rate four times higher than that of boys.
The STAR-C project by SFH is tackling this issue head-on by building resilience among adolescents living with HIV.
Dadi said that adolescents faced unique challenges in terms of HIV care, often going undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and poor health-seeking behaviour.
He said the project aimed to bridge these gaps, helping adolescents adhere to their treatment regimens and live healthier, more fulfilled lives.
“We want adolescents to live their full potential, free from stigma and empowered to thrive.
“Adolescent girls, in particular, face heightened vulnerability to HIV due to socio-economic factors, gender inequality and cultural practices.
“Through comprehensive HIV education, support groups and access to life-saving medication, the STAR-C project is offering hope and support to these young individuals,” Dadi says.
Sambo Elias, State Coordinator for the Association of Young People Living with HIV/AIDS, highlighted the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional needs of adolescents living with HIV.
“This project will help ensure that young people, particularly girls, are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to live healthy lives and stay on track with their treatment,” Elias said.
The education of adolescent girls extended beyond health services to broader issues like sexual and reproductive health, mental health and gender equality.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is at the forefront of ensuring that young people are aware of their HIV status and avoid engaging in risky sexual behaviour.
Through initiatives like Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), AHF is encouraging youth to understand the importance of safe sexual practices and to take control of their health.
Dr Eche Ijezie, Country Programme Director of AHF Nigeria, provided further insights.
“The goal is to help avoid sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
“In addition to providing HIV education and testing, AHF has also distributed free condoms and held counseling sessions to further engage the youth and raise awareness.
“These efforts are crucial in preventing the spread of HIV and ensuring that adolescents understand the importance of regular health check-ups and safe sexual practices,” he said.
With the combined efforts of the Nigerian government, international organisations, and community-based initiatives, the future for adolescent girls in Adamawa, Kaduna, and across Nigeria looks promising.
These efforts are not only addressing immediate health concerns but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and empowered future.
By providing access to education, reproductive health services, and mentorship, Nigeria is taking critical steps toward creating a supportive environment where adolescent girls can thrive.
As Aminu’s story illustrates, the ripple effect of these initiatives is already being felt in communities, creating a new generation of confident, empowered girls ready to become the leaders of tomorrow.
For girls like Aishatu, the path ahead is one filled with possibility; and with the right support, education and resources, these young women are well on their way to becoming the change-makers their communities need.
As the AGILE project continues to scale up across Nigeria, it promises to bring more girls into the fold; this expansion aims to create a strong foundation for future generations.
Observers say by ensuring that adolescent girls have the tools they need, the project is helping them lead healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.
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