‘Young People Lack Access To Reproductive Health Information’


SARAH SOTONYE

About 60 million Nigerian have been denied access to information on how to learn life skills on reproductive health.
This was the high point of a training tagged: ‘Sensitisation of Journalists,’ which held in Lagos recently.
The one-day programme was organised by the Development Communications Nigeria,(DEVCOMs), in collaboration  with the  Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) .
The Programme Adviser, NURHI,(Abuja), Mrs. Macbeth Bolaji said that the training was aimed at sensitising  the journalists on life planning on adolescents and the youths. “When we look at the population of Nigeria, one-third of entire population of Nigeria are the young people who lack access to information on how to plan their reproductive health.
“And that has led to ills in the society where teenage pregnancies, abortions and these young girls are eventually forced out of schools.
The information of Life Planning on Adolescents and the Youths should be made available because we have observed that they are increasingly now becoming active in their sexual reproductive health life. So, their access to information should not be denied because they are young.”
Also, speaking, NUHRI’s Programme Officer, (Lagos), Ms. Ajani Bless-Me, said that the society has not done well by hoarding information for young people. It is important for the society to allow the youth to have access to information they can decipher so as to reach their maximum potentials.
She said, “The youths need information to plan their reproductive health, because it has to do with their growing up stages from childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. The society has to make it easier for the youths to have access to information.
“It is important that we as the custodians of right information on sexual and reproductive health, especially the parents, guardians  and the older ones should feel free to discuss issues that have to do with sex with the young ones.”

The Programme Director, DEVCOMs, Mr. Akin Jimoh  considered the topic on Life Planning on Adolescents and the Youths (LPAY),  as very important, “because  life without planning  will be a waste and if you don’t plan, you will find yourself  in a situation  that is not conducive  for living.
“A young person needs to understand that he needs to wait.  Education is a priority and that even when people get married, they need to plan.
“Everyone needs a long term planning in the way that will be comfortable for himself. If you take a decision, you will follow through with it. This is very essential for one to achieve the kind of life he wants to live.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Information Frustrates Young Women From Using Family Planning

Image
BY CHIOMA UMEHA, Awareness and proper understanding of family planning has been recognised to reduce maternal death among young women of reproductive age between 15 and 49. Data on Sexual Reproductive Health outcomes in Nigeria stresses the importance of focusing on adolescents. At 576 maternal death per 1,000 live births, Nigeria accounts for 14 percent of the global burden of maternal mortality (NDHS 2013/WHO 2014). Global evidence shows that young girls bear a higher burden of maternal mortality and morbidity. Data shows that the average age at sexual debut is roughly 15 years of age among adolescent mothers in Nigeria. (NDHS 2003, 2008, 2013). The National adolescent fertility rate in Nigeria is 122 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. In the North Western States, it is as high as 171 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. To stem this, the government of Lagos State with support from partners and other donor agencies has put in place youth-friendly he
Read more

Nestle Takes Action To Promote Safe Food And Empowers Food Vendors

Image
By Umeha Ucheoma Ogun Photo:  Funmi Osineye, Manager, Nestlé Professional Nigeria, educating the participants on the use of MAGGI seasoning. The quality and cost of these items for consumers are two factors that experts advise food businesses to always take into consideration.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a balanced diet is important for both excellent nutrition and health, and it may also lengthen life.  A variety of chronic non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, can be prevented by eating a balanced diet, which also strengthens muscles, improves immunity, strengthens bones, and keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy. Sadly, in a low-income nation like Nigeria, the caterers, food sellers, canteens, and "bukkas" that cater to this market sector do not always receive the support they require to offer wholesome, affordable meals that may guarantee that their clients receive the nutrients needed for optimum health.  However,
Read more

PSN President Commissions ACPN National Secretariat

Image
Chioma Umeha History was made among the community pharmacists recently, as the national body of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN) inaugurated its National Secretariat at Ikeja, Lagos State. The event was graced by many notable personalities in the pharmaceutical sector including, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, the president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) who commissioned the befitting edifice. Other notable guests at the event were – Dr. UNO Uwaga, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for ACPN; Pharm. Bukky George, the Managing Director of Healthplus, among many former presidents of different pharmaceutical bodies. Pharm. Yakasai stated that it was a thing of joy for him to see this development come to light. He said that he is ‘a proud father’ as the inauguration of the building was a “testimony of when you have a proud son who can carry out directives.” He described the secretariat as “A home for all pharmacists across board.”
Read more