By Smith Nwokocha
VALIDATION OF ADOLESCENT YOUTH AND YOUNG PEOPLE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT (AYPHD) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN!
DATE: 3RD FEBRUARY, 2022.
VENUE: LANDMARK HOTEL, PORT HARCOURT
TIME: 9:00AM
PROGRESS REPORT:
Opening prayer was taken by Smith Nwokocha and then, a general introduction of participating members, including all technical working group members. The first quarter of the meeting was moderated by Mrs. Edna Alete, while the meeting objective was read by Mrs. Uloma (Adolescent Desk Officer, RSPHCMB); which includes the following:
Objectives of the Agenda:
- To provide progress update on the AYPHD implementation plan.
- To validate the State implementation Plan for AYPHD
- To adopt the validated draft of the AYPHD Implementation Plan.
and Progress update by Mrs. Wokoma Mbreba (Adolescent Desk Officer, RSMOH);
National Policy on The Health and Development of Adolescents and Young people in Nigeria (2021 – 2022), was revised again and officially.
Rivers State Policy Domestication Process: The Rivers State Ministry of Health (RMOH) in collaboration with various MDA’s and partners, commenced the process and adaptation in September 2021.
Advocacy and Stakeholder’s Engagements. Advocacy Courtesy Visit. Situational Analysis of Adolescent Health and Development.
The Review Process:
A four (4) day UNICEF funded meeting was conducted on the 19th – 22nd October, 2021.
Development of the Draft Rivers State Implementation Plan (Informal Reviews via Skype).
Where We Are?
Presentation by Dr. Adebayo Emmanuel
Situation Analysis of Adolescents and Young people’s Health and Development in Rivers State.
Overall, one thing that was very prominent, was “lack of dissemination of information”, because of indiscriminate documentation.
For the first time in Nigeria, we are beginning to include Adolescent indicators.
Adolescents are properly captured, going forward. We should know that, 50% of the population are Adolescents ranging from the age of 10 – 24 years. Increase in non-communicable diseases, because children are involved in lesser physical activities. Sexual activity, contraception, unintended pregnancy and abortion among young people. Early marriage and child-bearing, co-habiting is on the increase. AYP HIV Cascade (Number of people living with HIV).
FLHE is the most effective approach in Nigeria at the moment, but implementation has been slow. FLHE have trained teachers/students alike.
Substance Use is very high in Rivers State. It has led to high increase of admission in clinics (psychological clinics). Accidents and Hymocide; high rate of mortality for young boys in particular. Communicable diseases account for 41% – 43% causes of death in Rivers State.
School Healthcare System Response; if a school health system works very well (youth friendly facilities/services); young people will become healthy and healthier. Rivers State has a document that strictly addresses the Adolescents (Rivers State Strategic Health Development Plan). There is more to Adolescents than Sexual Reproductive Issues. - Some Components of the Implementation Plan:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Mental Health, Substance Use and Addiction
- Violence and Injury
- Nutrition and Physical Activity
- Non-Communicable Diseases and Disability
- Communicable Diseases
- Oral Health
How the Implementation Plan is developed?
Vision of the policy, Mission of the policy, Key Implementation Strategies, Advocacy is key in everything.
Implementation Programmatic/Thematic Areas and Key intervention Activities: - Policy and legal framework for adolescent health in Rivers State
- Service delivery for AYP in Rivers State
- Basic infrastructure for the health of AYP in Rivers State
- Human resources for the health of AYP in Rivers State
- Family and community systems
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people
- Mental Health and Substance abuse
- Nutrition and Physical activity
- Oral health
- Violence and injury
- Mortality and morbidity among adolescents and young people
- Non-communicable diseases and disability
- Communicable diseases.
Note: Have a State Level Data, it helps.
Most of the HIV/AIDS Programmes, focuses more to normal Adolescents, excluding the Adolescents with Special needs.
Breakout Sessions (In Groups):
The groups analysed the thematic areas of the interventions and made inputs where necessary.
Dr. Adebayo Emmanuel added, “just because something is a good idea, does not mean, it’s sustainable”. Come new Government, comes new policies. Government can’t do everything, hence, the need for partners.
In closing and to do a formal adoption of the validated document; Dr. (Mrs) Smith, thanked everyone present, partners and CHAI for helping us fill this gap. Since, 2021 we came together to carve out a roadmap and niche for our Adolescents. There were facilities, vision and structure for that phase. We are on a cause of defining the personalities of our Adolescents. On behalf, of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health and other Ministries, we adopt the validation of this document. Congratulations!!!
Closing prayer by Mrs. Mary Obisike.
PHwakawaka 