FG pledges to prioritise well-being of adolescent
The Federal Government says it is committed to improving the well-being of young Nigerians, who are the nation’s future.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Kachollom Daju, said this in Abuja on Wednesday at an event of the Global Forum for Adolescents (GFA) 2023.
Daju, represented by Dr .Ovuoraye John, Director, Gender Adolescent, School Health and Elderly Division, in the ministry, said that the forum was organised to raise awareness on adolescents’ health and well-being.
“Today we joined the world to mark the largest virtual gathering of adolescents and we reaffirm the commitment of the government to improve the well-being of our young people, who are the future of our nation.
“The ministry has marked series of events as a build-up towards the world largest virtual gathering for adolescent health.
“One of such events is the national conference on adolescents to galvanise country position towards the 1.8 billion GFA,’’ she said.
Daju said the hybrid national conference took place on October 5 with 80 per cent of the participants as adolescents and young people.
According to her, the country recognised the unique place of adolescents in the demographic composition.
She said that such would leave no one in doubt that as a country the health needs and well-being of adolescents and young people was prioritised.
“We will leave no one in doubt that as a country the health needs and well-being of adolescents and young people is prioritised,’’ Daju said.
Speaking, WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, said the forum, which has as its theme: With and For Adolescent: Our Future is Now,” aimed to emphasize the high commitments towards improving the well-being of adolescents in Nigeria.
Mulombo, represented by Dr Joy Ufere, Technical Officer for Child and Adolescent in WHO, said that the forum would unite adolescents and young people with policymakers.
According to him, the forum aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to adolescent health and well-being.
He said: “Let me take this opportunity to remind us on our commitment for adolescent well-being because their well-being is critical to achieving sustainable development.
“We call for the importance of adopting a whole of-government approach to work together in a coordinated and collaborative manner to address the multiple and intersecting factors that impact adolescents.
“Strengthening our collective efforts to improve adolescent well-being will help accelerate the achievement of related SDG priorities.
“Also, investing in adolescents and young people is a smart investment in the future of our societies, economies, and the planet.
Ms Halimah Bello, Information and Youth Engagement Officer, Africa Health Budget Network, said that the forum was a chance for young people to come together and take stock of the progress.
Bello said that the forum was to engage more than 200 young persons, whose capacities were being built, mentored and strategically placed in spaces, where they would be heard.
She said that it would also enable the youth to contribute during decision making gatherings.
“AHBN is leading the Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan on Women, Children and Adolescents.
“This is a supportive initiative to collaboratively harness the implementation process of existing policies and the recreation of new ones,’’ Bello said
