The World Well being Organisation (WHO) has revealed that between 10 and 20 per cent of adolescents globally expertise psychological well being issues comparable to melancholy and psychosis, usually starting between the ages of 11 and 18.
WHO Nation Consultant in Nigeria, Pavel Ursu whereas talking on the 2025 Worldwide Adolescent Well being Week in Abuja on Monday, stated psychological well being challenges amongst younger individuals stay underdiagnosed and untreated, resulting in long-term well being and social penalties.
Mr Ursu, who was represented by Mary Brantuo lamented low psychological well being literacy, stigma, and insufficient entry to providers, noting that solely 20–30 per cent of Nigerian adolescents have interaction in common bodily exercise.
He stated bettering adolescent well being is crucial to attaining the Sustainable Growth Targets and making certain Nigeria’s long-term growth.
He known as for larger funding, intersectoral collaboration, and neighborhood engagement to advertise bodily and psychological well being throughout the nation.
Mr Ursu described the annual occasion as a possibility to spotlight the pressing must put money into the bodily and psychological well-being of the nation’s estimated 20 million adolescents.
College students name for stronger motion
On the occasion, Peculiar Bassey, a scholar at Junior Secondary College, Karonmajigi, expressed gratitude to the federal government, academics, and fogeys for his or her assist however appealed for stronger motion to deal with the silent struggles of younger individuals.
Miss Bassey famous that many younger individuals battle with points which can be usually left unstated, comparable to stress, low vanity, peer strain, and loneliness.
She stated these challenges have an effect on each the thoughts and physique and should be addressed with empathy and assist.
She urged dad and mom, academics, and leaders to hearken to adolescents with out judgement and to create secure areas for open conversations about psychological well being and private well-being.
Renewed dedication
Responding to adolescent considerations, the Coordinating Minister of Well being and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to bettering adolescent well being outcomes nationwide.
Represented by the Ministry’s Director of Human Useful resource Administration, Tetshoma Dafeta, Mr Pate stated Nigeria’s future stability is dependent upon how effectively the nation nurtures its adolescents, who make up about 23 per cent of the inhabitants.
He listed key efforts, together with the creation of an Adolescent and College Well being Department, a devoted price range line for adolescent well being, and the implementation of the Nationwide Adolescent Well being Coverage and associated tips.
Mr Pate urged states but to determine such provisions to take action and known as on policymakers to allocate parts of key ministries’ budgets, together with Training, Youth, and Ladies Affairs, to adolescent growth.
He additionally emphasised the necessity for open discussions on psychological well being, improved counselling providers, and stronger collaboration amongst colleges, households, and communities.
Inclusion and collaboration
On the occasion, the Society for Household Well being (SFH) known as for larger prioritisation of adolescent-friendly providers to make sure equitable entry to healthcare, particularly for younger women.
SFH’s Nation Supervisor for Partnerships and Collaboration, Jennifer Adebambi, stated the organisation’s Adolescents 360 (A360) challenge has reached over a million women aged 15–19 with household planning providers, 175,000 with antenatal and secure supply care, and 500,000 with vocational and financial empowerment programmes.
Ms Adebambi urged the Federal Ministry of Well being to combine adolescent well being into the Primary Well being Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), including that SFH stays dedicated to supporting common well being protection and youth inclusion.
Investing in Nigeria’s future
Additionally talking, the Everlasting Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Well being and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, described adolescents as the inspiration of Nigeria’s social and financial future.
Represented by the Director of Household Well being, Binyerem Ukaire, she reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to increasing youth-friendly well being providers, notably in hard-to-reach areas.
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Ms Kachollom highlighted the federal government’s Reproductive, Maternal, New child, Baby, Adolescent, and Aged Well being plus Vitamin (RMNCAEH+N) platform as a multi-sectoral effort to coordinate adolescent well being and growth.
“Care for your physique, nurture your thoughts, and keep constructive,” she instructed the youth, stressing that investing in adolescents is investing within the nation’s future.
In regards to the occasion
The week-long occasion, themed “Thriving Inside and Out”, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Well being and Social Welfare in collaboration with growth companions to advertise inclusive well being and schooling methods for adolescents.
The theme emphasised the interconnection between bodily and psychological well being, encouraging younger individuals to construct resilience, undertake wholesome life, and develop emotional steadiness.
