The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have introduced the Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH) project in Adamawa State, Nigeria. This initiative aims to empower 75,000 adolescent girls annually by providing essential reproductive healthcare services, education, and support.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable in Yola, Dr. Victoria Isiramen, a maternal and newborn health specialist at UNICEF Abuja, emphasized the importance of investing in adolescent girls to drive Nigeria’s future development. The four-year project is set to indirectly impact 175,000 people across Adamawa, Kwara, and Sokoto States.
Adolescent Girls: Key to Nigeria’s Future Development
According to Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Bauchi, the Adamawa State Government has been at the forefront of enhancing adolescent healthcare services. She encouraged young girls to take control of their reproductive health, education, and overall well-being, stressing that empowered girls are crucial for sustainable development.
The Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA) has confirmed that over 1,000 health facilities in the state now offer adolescent-friendly services, including mental health support and gender-based violence (GBV) interventions. Dr. Bashir Suleiman, Executive Chairman of PHCDA, highlighted the importance of equipping girls with knowledge to stay in school and pursue successful careers.
Read also: UNICEF, Sokoto Government Identify Over 249,000 Vulnerable Children in Urgent Need of Support
Peer Education and Community-Led Health Clubs
Rashida Tahir, Director of Community Health, noted that the SARAH project is designed to encourage peer education and community health awareness. Young girls will have the opportunity to lead health clubs, raise awareness about reproductive health, and drive positive change in their communities.
With strategic backing from the EU, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Adamawa State Government, this initiative represents a transformative step towards improving adolescent reproductive health in Nigeria. By providing accessible healthcare services and education, the SARAH project is empowering young girls to build healthier futures and contribute meaningfully to society.
