NGO seeks stakeholders’ support on sexual reproductive health in Ekiti

The Hacey Health Initiative has solicited the support of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders towards achieving a sustained Sexual and Reproductive Health Right (SRHR) in Ekiti state.

Speaking at an elaborate stakeholders roundtable meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, with the theme ,‘ Building Movements to Sustain Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right Interventions’ the program officer of Hacey , Tomilola Oni explained that they organized the forum to seek the input of stakeholders in the state on the project. 

She revealed that the new project was being undertaken in five South West states of Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Lagos and Ekiti to ensure effective SRHR interventions in the states in the interest of the society especially the female adolescents. 

Oni, who lamented the emotional and mental challenges faced by these youths , said they are committed to collaborate with CSOs including religious leaders to promote healthy behavior among youths and reduced unintended pregnancies including Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs).

According to her, the project was designed to build the capacity of youth-based CSOs with relevant and adequate access to information on SRHR services in a bid to address the challenges faced by the vulnerable youths. 

She said, “ Sexual and reproductive health issues pose a significant challenge for vulnerable adolescents and young people (AYP) in developing countries , particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. 

“Two thirds of illness among women of reproductive age in this region of reproductive age in this region are attributed to SRH problems. 

“It is a collaborative effort from every segment of the society because we cannot continue to wait on the government to do it alone. We know we have laws already; we are calling on the government to enforce these laws. 

“The project is not that it will help their emotional wellbeing, you will see that there will be reduced unwanted pregnancies among the students for them to focus on their studies. 

“You know if a girl child gets pregnant during school , she will have to stop school and it will affect her academics and even truncate her career in life.

“We believe that the advocacy and awareness we are doing we help them to make wise decisions because if they have access to this information, they will be able to make good decisions on their own.” 

Speaking, the commissioner for health and human services, Dr Oyebanji Filani commended Hacey for the project , adding that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji was committed to collaborate with relevant organizations towards achieving desired results on the project. 

The commissioner, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun , explained that there is a need for the young citizens to be exposed to adequate information on sexual and reproductive health rights.

Caption: Stakeholders at the event