UNICEF, during a two-day visit to adolescent health centres in Lagos, has called on all levels of government in the country to prioritize human development in order to address pressing health challenges.
Dr. Lu Wei Pearson, Associate Director of Maternal and Newborn Child Health at UNICEF, emphasized that despite its abundant resources, Nigeria lags behind in human development and faces high rates of child and maternal mortality, malnutrition, and other health concerns.
The centres visited included Tolu Community in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Hello Lagos Adolescent and Youth Friendly Centre at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Iwaya Primary Health Centre Yaba, Lagos Mainland LGA, and Atan Street Empire Agege Motor Road.
Dr Victoria Isiramen, a Health Specialist with UNICEF Nigeria, stressed the importance of engaging young people on various health issues beyond sexual and reproductive health. She highlighted mental health, peer pressure, poor parental support, financial pressure, and stressful environments as crucial factors affecting young people.
Dr Ijeoma Agbo, another Health Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, emphasized the significance of establishing functional Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across Wards to enhance access to health services at the grassroots level.
Dr Egemba Chinonso, a social media influencer known as 'Aproko Doctor,' praised UNICEF for empowering young people to discuss and address health concerns through their programs.
Bamike Olawumi, a reality TV star known as Bambam, appreciated the educational opportunity provided by UNICEF's visit, emphasizing the need for further advocacy to find solutions to challenges faced by young people in Nigeria.
