Adolescent Health Key To Economic Growth – Pate

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, says sexual and reproductive health indices are critical for national development, economic growth, and improved human capital outcomes across Nigeria.

Pate said this on Monday in Abuja during a two-day National Policy Dialogue on Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Development (AYSRH&D), organised by the Society for Family Health (SFH).

The Minister, represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, the Director and Head of the Department of Family Health, described adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health as not merely a health concern but a human capital priority, a social justice issue, and a driver of Nigeria’s long-term economic future.

He said, “When youth access accurate information, quality services, and supportive systems, they make informed decisions that influence their education, well-being, and economic participation,” he said while emphasising adolescent health as transformative.

“However, many adolescents face major obstacles, including harmful cultural practices, poor access to care, gender inequality, early marriage, unsafe sex, and drug abuse.”

He also highlighted barriers hindering youth development and health, stressing that these problems threaten not only their health but also reduce their capacity to meaningfully contribute to their communities and the broader development agenda.

The Minister further noted that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services through the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative under a sector-wide coordination approach.

He also highlighted that policies like the National Policy on Health and Development of Adolescent and Young People are in place to improve access, inclusivity, and equity in service delivery nationwide.

The Minister further described the policy dialogue as a platform to galvanise leadership, enhance collaboration, and generate data-driven, high-impact interventions to improve adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and development outcomes.

“This dialogue is a chance to ensure every Nigerian adolescent, regardless of sex, location, or background, accesses quality sexual and reproductive health information, education, and services for a healthier future,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of SFH, represented by Deputy Managing Director Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, noted that Nigeria is experiencing demographic shifts with implications for adolescent health and youth-focused policy development.

Idogho added that the national fertility rate declined from 5.3 per cent in 2018 to 4.8 per cent in 2024, while youth health discussions now increasingly influenced primary healthcare and national policy frameworks.

He also said teenage pregnancy remained concerning at 15 per cent, with the highest incidences in rural and low-income communities, according to the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data.

“HIV prevalence among youth stands at 5.2 per cent, higher than the national average, while 17.2 per cent of young women reported having contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI), he added during his remarks. Uptake of modern contraceptives remains very low.

“Early marriage and childbearing significantly contribute to maternal mortality and hinder economic and educational opportunities for girls across affected communities,” he stated.

Idogho however, emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive, multisectoral approach to adolescent health that integrated education, life skills, mental health, and social protection within health and development frameworks.

He also identified key reforms, including MAMII, the Yo! Health Initiative, AGILE, and expansion of health insurance, as strategic opportunities to deliver adolescent-friendly services across all regions of Nigeria.

Citing lessons from SFH’s Adolescents 360 (A360) initiative, he said, “In four years, we reached 1,850 communities through 2,157 health centres in four states with youth-friendly reproductive health services.

“We trained 2,235 health workers and supported 764,568 adolescent girls to adopt modern contraceptives, half of whom are continuing users.

Also, Commissioner for Women Affairs in Adamawa State, Neido Kofulto, urged traditional and religious leaders to help demystify reproductive and menstrual health through open discussions to promote knowledge, prevention, and support systems.

“Open dialogue with our children can save lives, prevent long-term harm, and encourage early detection and protection, even against rising health threats like reproductive cancers,” she said.

On his part, the Minister of Youth Development Mr. Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Essien, said the ministry would prioritise youth health and mobilise partners to address related development challenges.

He noted that the future of Nigeria’s development depends on the health and empowerment of its young people, adding that the ministry is open to partnership to address the serious issues youth face today.

The two-day policy dialogue aims to build consensus, identify implementation gaps, and renew commitment to prioritising adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and development across Nigeria.