Abuja: Nigeria is prioritizing adolescent health, well-being, and development through multisectoral collaboration, in line with the National Health Sector Strategic blueprint and National policy on Health and development of Adolescent and young people. This was the central message of the National Policy Dialogue on the Future of the Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Development (AYSRH and D), which convened key stakeholders in Abuja to chart a unified path for adolescent health and well-being in the country. The event underscored the power of multisectoral collaboration and meaningful adolescents and youth engagement in shaping sustainable national programmes.
According to African Press Organization, the two-day dialogue, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was convened by the Society for Family Health in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and the State Ministries of Health from Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, and Nasarawa.
The dialogue utilized the Framework for Multisectoral Actions on Adolescent Health and the Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement (MAYE) Framework. These tools guided discussions and emphasized the importance of involving young people in decision-making and programme implementation at both national and local levels.
The event aimed to build agreement and commitment to prioritize adolescent and youth health and development (AYHD), identify gaps, share evidence and insights from the implementation of A360, and discuss opportunities for institutionalizing adolescent and youth-centred design approaches into national and subnational AYHD programmes. It also sought to strengthen coordination between ministries and sectors and encourage partnerships among government, civil society, youth groups, traditional leaders, and private sector organizations.
During the event, WHO presented a technical paper outlining its Framework for Multisectoral Collaboration and Accountability, a tool designed to help countries develop and implement effective adolescent health programmes. WHO shared insights from Nigeria’s experience with the AA-HA! (Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents) guidance since 2020. These insights included the review of national policy and implementation plans, development of monitoring and evaluation tools, and support for programme rollout in Edo and Katsina States.
Dr. Joy Ufere-Isikima, WHO Technical Officer for Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Primary Health Care, highlighted the importance of integrated programmes and community-level action. WHO’s support revitalized State Adolescent Health and Development Technical Working Groups and developed LGA-level workplans in two states. UNICEF supported the expansion of the approach to nine more states, demonstrating growing momentum and commitment to adolescent health across Nigeria.
The dialogue resulted in strong commitment from stakeholders to improve adolescent and youth health and development, agreement to leverage multisectoral collaboration and accountability frameworks, recognition of the vital role of young people in AYHD programmes, and development of commitment statements to guide future policies and actions.