· Lagos State Targets Improved Access, Reduce Stigma in Public Health Facilities
The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), has commenced training for 160 health service providers on adolescent and youth-friendly healthcare services. The two-day capacity-building workshop, aimed at equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills to provide inclusive and confidential care for young people, began on Tuesday at the LCCI Conference Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
The training seeks to create a more supportive healthcare environment for adolescents, strengthen service providers’ capacity to manage and refer to youth-specific health concerns, and reinforce ethical standards by addressing biases contributing to stigma and discrimination in healthcare facilities.
Participants, drawn from secondary and tertiary health institutions across Lagos, are being trained in batches from Tuesday, 11th to Thursday, 20th February 2025, to ensure a broad-based impact.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of SOMLPforR, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, emphasised the significance of adolescent health, noting that young people make up over 60% of the population. She stressed the need for healthcare workers to be adequately prepared to handle the unique challenges associated with this critical stage of development.
“Adolescence is a sensitive phase that requires careful management,” Dr. Erinosho stated. “A teenage girl today will become a woman tomorrow, and a young boy will grow into a father. We cannot leave their care solely in the hands of a few experts; every healthcare provider must be equipped to support them.”
She urged participants to approach the training with an open mind, ready to learn, unlearn, and relearn best practices in adolescent healthcare. Key focus areas include nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and effective communication strategies to build trust with young patients.
Similarly, the Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folasade Oludara, highlighted that the training aims to bridge knowledge gaps among young health workers while updating the skills of their more experienced counterparts. She pointed out that many young people avoid public health facilities due to fear of stigma, judgmental attitudes, and discrimination from older healthcare providers.
“Youths and adolescents should feel safe and welcome when seeking healthcare services,” Dr. Oludara stated. “This training is designed to ensure that all young people visiting our health facilities have a positive experience, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and seek medical help without hesitation.”
Participants described the training as insightful, emphasising how it broadened their understanding of adolescent health needs. Okunmuyide Oluwakemi, a medical social welfare officer from General Hospital, Lagos, remarked that the sessions deepened her appreciation of the social aspects of adolescent development.
“This training has been eye-opening, and I plan to share the knowledge with my colleagues so that we can collaborate effectively with the medical team,” Oluwakemi said. “When doctors refer young patients to us, we will be able to provide holistic care that addresses both medical and social concerns.”
Dr. Nasir Ariyibi, Director of Health Services at Lagos State University (LASU), also lauded the initiative, noting its potential to improve healthcare delivery in tertiary health facilities. “Most of our clients are young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who need specialised care,” he said. “This training will help us make our facility more youth-friendly, ensuring they receive the support they need during this crucial phase of their lives.”
Lagos State remains committed to providing a safe and inclusive healthcare environment for young people, free from discrimination and stigma. With continued support from SOMLPforR, the government is prioritising capacity-building programmes to equip healthcare workers with the skills necessary to address adolescent health challenges effectively.
By fostering a more youth-friendly health system, Lagos aims to improve access to essential services, promote healthy behaviours, and ensure that young people receive the care and support needed to transition successfully into adulthood.
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