Niger state government has reaffirmed its commitment alongside the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) in improving Adolescents well-being and access to quality physical/ mental health services in the state.
Permanent Secretary, Niger state Ministry of Primary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana while speaking to Journalists after a road walk organized by the Ministry in partnership with WHO and UNICEF, in Minna, the State capital, said the event is aimed at giving opportunity to educate Adolescents on reproductive health, personal responsibility and the importance of accessing available health care services in their various communities.
Represented by the Deputy Director Community Health Department, Fatima Gogo Muhammad, the Permanent Secretary described the week as an opportunity to spot light the challenges facing Adolescents by creating safe spaces where the can speak freely, seek help and receive tailored health support from trained focal persons.
He said: “we will do all we can to promote responsible behaviour by increasing access to quality physical and mental health services in the state amongst our adolescents.
“As a government, we are calling for greater prioritization on Adolescents friendly health services to ensure equitable access to care and employment for young people and urged for collaborations among government, development partners, educators and parents to ensure effective implementation of Adolescents and mental health policies.”
Also speaking, the Adolescent Youth Coordinator, Fatima Ahmed speaking on this year’s theme “Thriving Inside And Out: Strengthening Physical And Mental Health” said Adolescence is a critical phase marked by potential and vulnerability that demands targeted interventions by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to expanding youth friendly health services especially the hard to reach areas.
She then called for renewed national commitment to safeguarding Adolescents physical and mental health, mental well-being describing them as key to Nigeria’s social economy future.
The UNICEF, WHO and other stakeholders also visited the Government Day Science College Tunga, Minna where they sensitized and advised the students to prioritize mental health as part of lifelong health habits.
Highlight of the event was a panel sessions where various speakers appealed to the government and stakeholders to prioritise mental and physical health.