UN Agencies urge investments in adolescent reproductive health for youth

UN sister Agencies composed of UNFPA, UNICEF and UNESCO have called for urgent youth investments and nurturing of the youth demographic via the provision of economic, social and health benefits that guarantee they have ample opportunities to attain their optimal potentials and contribute to the development of society.

These were highlights of the UN Nigeria participation at EKO202- the 3rd edition of the Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Youth Health and Development which held in Lagos from August 15-20 and featured over 1000 particpants.

With the theme "Achieving 2030 Targets: Driving Innovation for Adolescents and Youth Health, the 2023 edition had 8 sub-themes that focused on addressing the health and development needs of youth and adolescent in the modern era. This guided the 4-day biennial event that featured conference plenaries and sessions from government, youth NGOs, public health agencies, development organizations and CSOs.

#Eko2030 Pre-Conference

Youths participated via physical and virtual modalities, and were given opportunities to meaningfully engage in conversations and deliberations underpinned by six of the sustainable development goals: Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, reduced inequalities and climate action.

Speaking through the Officer in Charge Mr. Chris Sabum Macauley, UNFPA Nigeria reiterated the need to nurture the potential of the Nigerian youth by empowering them through informed policies, strategic investments, and innovative approaches that would position them to achieve their full potentials.

A sizeable number of youth and adolescent advocates were able to participate unhindered through watch party modalities established in UNFPA offices in Kaduna, Cross River and Lagos. This increased their proximity to proceedings, allowing them a space to network and also access resources from the event.

Concurrent Sessions and Awards

In line with its 3 transformative results, UNFPA Nigeria participated in a sizeable number of sessions that focused on innovation; humanitarian programming; socializing family planning and ending GBV & Female genital mutilation. Innovative solutions such as the UNFPA Chatbox and Frisky App were also presented to the general public for downloads and feedback.

The UNFPA booth had a high footfall with participating youth able to access publications and manuals that provided instruction on how to maintain optimal SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and rights). UNFPA officers were also on ground to respond to face-to-face enquiries in a confidential manner with health workers on standby to conduct HIV tests.

In line with its role as the United Nations global sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA provided scope for the event theme of driving innovation and empowering youth through participation in panel discussions alongside notable participants from government and private sector.

First Lady of Ogun State Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun added her voice to the calls for an end Gender-Based Violence. Citing current efforts in Ogun State- notably the establishment of a sexual assault referral centre with UNFPA collaboration- she urged greater interventions to address GBV, drug abuse and mental health issues which usually impeded the transition from healthy youth to adulthood.

She was a recipient at the event awards ceremony alongside UNFPA, UNICEF and other dignitaries.

Innovation, Reproductive Health & Youth Empowerment

The event featured breakout rooms with oral presentations on the intersections between innovation, reproductive health and youth empowerment. In keeping to the modality of working with government, UNFPA was able to present a comprehensive sexuality Education and GBV intervention tool.

This collaboration with the Lagos State Government would address perceived gaps in providing sexuality education for youths, adolescents and those transiting to adulthood through provision of vital information.

Social Media influencer Dr. Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor), who was part of the UNFPA Nigeria panel discussion, urged the situation of messages in popular media to attract the attention and endorsement of youth.

Other influencers such as Guinness World Record Holder Ms. Hilda Bacci, Dr. Anto Lecky and actress Ms. Bamike Olawumi (Bam Bam) were also present to provide perspectives on how to increase the uptake and acceptance of life-saving health messages, and amplify the voices of youth and adolescents to catalyze national development.