Reproduction plays a vital role in the continuity of human societies, and as societies evolve, fostering open discussions and education on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is crucial for building resilient communities. In Nigeria, organizations like Global Citizens Africa, in partnership with HACEY Health Initiative and Worthy, are working to raise awareness and drive action on SRHR. One of their key initiatives, the ‘Stride for Her Rights’ advocacy walk, brought together a community of passionate young individuals to march from AP Filling Station in Lekki to the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, aiming to increase public awareness and inspire policy change.
The Importance of SRHR
Sexual and reproductive health encompasses a wide range of services, from access to contraception and fertility care to maternal health, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and protection from sexual and gender-based violence. According to the World Health Organization, SRHR is integral to emotional, social, and mental well-being and is a fundamental human right.
In Nigeria, adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of inadequate sexual and reproductive health education. A 2023 report by the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 15% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 had experienced pregnancy. Studies have shown that comprehensive sex education (CSE) can significantly reduce risky sexual behaviors, but its implementation in Nigerian schools remains inconsistent, facing resistance from conservative groups.
Raising Awareness and Funding for SRHR
Ifeoma Chuks-Adizue, Director of Global Citizens Africa, emphasized the importance of increasing funding and support from the private sector to improve SRHR services. She pointed out that many community health workers are under-equipped, and a significant increase in government support and financing is needed to address the challenges facing maternal health and SRHR services in Nigeria.
Chuks-Adizue stated, “We still have a lot of preventable deaths… we trust that with our partners and the Lagos State government, we’ll come out with more positive results that we can celebrate as a nation over time.”
Programs Targeting Adolescents and Youth
Ms. Rhoda Robinson, Executive Director of HACEY Health Initiative, highlighted the need to provide young people with accurate and timely SRHR information. Programs designed specifically for adolescents are essential for helping them make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Robinson stressed that Nigeria has one of the highest youth populations with new HIV infections, and providing age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and medically accurate CSE is key to addressing teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
She noted, “We cannot keep ignoring the fact that young people need this information… This is the only way to reduce teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.”
Addressing Rural Communities’ SRHR Challenges
Dr. Kemi da Silva Ibru, founder of Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), called for increased investment in SRHR services in rural communities, where over half of Nigeria’s population lives. Rural areas often lack sufficient healthcare professionals and facilities, forcing many women to seek maternal care from traditional birth attendants, which can increase risks during childbirth. Dr. Ibru stressed the importance of training traditional birth attendants to provide better care and save lives.
“Empowering community health workers and traditional birth attendants with modern medical knowledge and equipment can save lives,” Dr. Ibru stated, noting that Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains high, with 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The Role of Contraceptives and Safe Abortion Access
Educating the public about contraception and the risks of unsafe abortions is critical to improving women’s health and reducing maternal mortality. Robinson highlighted that increased access to contraception and comprehensive reproductive health education would help prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. She emphasized that abortion, when necessary for medical reasons, should be done safely and within the legal framework.
“If we equip young people with the right information, we wouldn’t be having these conversations about unsafe abortion,” Robinson said.
Funding and Policy Implementation
While advocacy is crucial, Robinson stressed that government commitment to policy development and funding is needed to translate words into action. She advocated for a holistic approach to SRHR that includes the active participation of private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, and the government to ensure adequate funding and policy enforcement.
“We need to develop these policies andensure that these policies speak to the problem,” Robinson urged. “The government has an active role in providing policies, ensuring the right budget allocation, and creating a conducive environment for partners to come together.”
Government Efforts on Maternal Health
Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Health, acknowledged existing gaps in SRHR but highlighted ongoing efforts to address maternal health. She pointed to the training of healthcare professionals to manage complications like postpartum hemorrhage and the expansion of maternal health services through the Ilera Eko health insurance program, which provides free healthcare for pregnant women in Lagos State.
Societal and Media Role
Cultural resistance remains a significant challenge in addressing SRHR issues, as many young people fear stigmatisation when seeking reproductive healthcare. Actress and social media influencer Ada Afoluwake Ogunkeye, known as Folu Storms, emphasized that everyone can play a role in shaping narratives and bringing about social change. She urged individuals to take responsibility for the state of the country’s healthcare system.
“If we don’t look after our healthcare systems, one day, you, me, or somebody that you love is going to be in a critical position,” she warned. “We all have a part to play in creating a solution.”
Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future for Nigerians
Despite the challenges, the growing involvement of private organizations and advocacy groups is helping raise awareness and improve SRHR for Nigerians. The ‘Stride for Her Rights’ walk represents one of many efforts to create a healthier, more empowered generation. By continuing to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and invest in education and healthcare, stakeholders hope to create a more equitable and sustainable future for the sexual and reproductive health of young Nigerians.
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