The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted the importance of concerted efforts to uplift adolescent wellbeing, as it engages in a collaborative venture with the Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS (LSACA) to execute a community outreach program within the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The event, titled ‘YAaHNaija,’ unfolded in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, aiming to equip children and adolescents with essential awareness as they transition into adulthood. This initiative was undertaken in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), featuring a comprehensive range of activities including HIV status checks, COVID-19 vaccinations, and immunization exercises targeting children within the community.
The pinnacle of this endeavor witnessed the presence of Dr. Mireille Tribie, UNICEF Regional HIV Specialist for West and Central Africa, alongside Luwei Pearson, UNICEF’s Assistant Director of Health, visiting the Tolu Community in Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA. Here, UNICEF actively supports an Adolescent Health program.
This gathering of distinguished stakeholders provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the critical measures essential for advancing child and adolescent welfare. The consultation further delved into the prevailing living conditions within the local community.
During her visit, Dr. Mireille Tribie expressed genuine concern regarding the health situation prevalent within the community. She acknowledged the far-reaching impact of Nigeria’s population and health indicators on both the African continent and the world at large.
Dr. Tribie underscored the pivotal role of adequately preparing children to transition into responsible adulthood, emphasizing that they are the future architects of societal decisions and progress.
Reiterating UNICEF’s steadfast commitment, Dr. Tribie emphasized that amplifying the voices of children within contemporary issues remains a central objective. She expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming 2023 National Conference on Adolescent Health, foreseeing it as a platform to directly engage with the perspectives and insights of young people. These insights will serve as invaluable resources to shape comprehensive strategies aimed at safeguarding their holistic wellbeing.
Echoing the sentiment, Luwei Pearson, UNICEF’s Assistant Director of Health, emphasized the holistic nature of adolescent wellbeing enhancement. Pearson stressed the multi-dimensional factors influencing adolescent welfare, encompassing education, mental health, lifestyle choices, and of course, healthcare.
Pearson advocated for an inclusive approach, wherein government bodies, civil societies, and the youth themselves collaborate to identify and implement solutions that ensure a wholesome transition into adulthood.
The outreach initiative in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area underscored the critical gaps that necessitate immediate attention to foster conducive living conditions. Pearson emphasized that the onus for fostering these conditions primarily rests with Nigerian governmental bodies at both the federal and local levels.
While UNICEF’s role is to complement existing governmental strategies and fill gaps, the shared focus remains the welfare of children and women, aligning with UNICEF’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding their best interests.