Kaduna:The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) has conducted a sensitisation programme for adolescents with disabilities, focusing on sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, mental health, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was held at the Kaduna State Special Education School as part of International Adolescent Health Week, with support from UNICEF, the Society for Family Health, and other partners. The programme, themed ‘Nothing About Us Without Us Power, Voice and Health Equity for All Adolescents,’ aimed to enhance adolescents’ involvement in health-related decision-making.
Bilkisu Zailani, the board’s Adolescent Desk Officer, said the week-long initiative began on October 13 and will conclude on October 19. Activities were designed to raise awareness across the state about critical health issues. The special education school was chosen due to the frequent exclusion of adolescents with disabilities from such programmes.
Zailani noted the necessity of targeted sensitisation after identifying knowledge gaps in menstrual hygiene and mental health among the students. The programme also addressed concerns about inadequate water supply at the school, which will be referred to the board’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene unit for resolution.
Amos Isuwa, Head of HIV Counselling and Testing at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, highlighted the inclusion of adolescents with disabilities in the programme to ensure they receive necessary health information. Sign language interpretation was provided to facilitate understanding for hearing-impaired students.
Isuwa stressed the importance of addressing mental health challenges such as depression and social withdrawal, which can arise from feelings of rejection and isolation. He encouraged adolescents experiencing such issues to seek support from trusted individuals.
Dr. Joseph Yakubu, Senior Master Welfare at the school, praised the initiative for directly involving students in health education, particularly in areas like protection against sexually transmitted infections and menstrual hygiene practices. He expressed hope for regular programmes to enhance students’ health knowledge and well-being.