UNICEF to FG: Prioritise Human Development to Address Health Challenges
Health Specialist with UNICEF Nigeria expressed the need for young people to be frequently engaged on topical health issues that affect them.
Some UNICEF officials and young people at Hello Lagos Adolescent and Youth Friendly Centre at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on Wednesday in Lagos.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) urges government at all levels in the country to prioritise human development to address some health challenges.
Dr Lu Wei Pearson, Associate Director of Maternal and Newborn Child Health at UNICEF, made the call during a two-day visit to some adolescent health programming centres supported by UNICEF in Lagos.
“Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child mortality, maternal mortality, malnutrition and other health issues.
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“Young people and the social media influencers need to speak up to change the narrative and hold government at all levels accountable and health institutions”.
Speaking also, Dr Victoria Isiramen, a Health Specialist with UNICEF Nigeria, stressed the need for young people to be frequently engaged on topical health issues that affect them. Isiramen, an HIV specialist noted that apart from sexual reproductive health, young people are being confronted with other issues that should be tackled.
“Sometimes when we sit down in conferences and talk about young people, what do they need? What should we do for them?.
“Most of the time when we talk about young people, we usually refer to sexual reproductive health which is very important but it is not comprehensive enough.
“Mental health, peer pressure, poor parental supports, financial pressure for girls, stressful environment among others also affect young people, going by what we have encountered with some of them we talked to.
“That is why these centres supported by UNICEF are helping to engage young people and give them information on health services.
