Kwara opens six youth-friendly health centres for adolescents

Kwara State has opened six health centers designed specifically for adolescents and young people, offering confidential care in settings intended to feel safe and respectful.

The centers are located at primary healthcare facilities in Offa, Asa and Moro local government areas. They were established with Global Fund support and implemented by Jhpiego through an integrated sexual and reproductive health and communicable diseases project.

One center at Ogele Primary Health Centre in Asa was commissioned on Thursday by Nusirat Elelu, executive secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency. The other locations are Ojomu Primary Health Centre, Lamodi Comprehensive Health Centre and Nawairudeen District Health Centre in Offa; Otte Primary Health Centre in Asa; and Olorun Primary Health Centre in Moro.

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We have clear programmes for our women and children. However, our adolescents and young people have consistently been neglected in our healthcare programmes. But we thank the government of the day, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Elelu said adolescents and young people had received less attention in the state’s health programmes than women and children. She said the government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had recently placed greater importance on adolescent health, with interventions for both girls and boys.

She said the centers would provide trained staff whom young people could approach about issues they might not discuss with parents, friends or others. “Our adolescents can relate to this because this is going to be a safe haven for young people. This facility is dedicated solely to you,” Elelu said. “There are things you cannot tell your parents, friends or even yourselves. We have dedicated and trained personnel who are here for you.”

Elelu urged young people to seek professional guidance before making decisions that could have long-term effects on their health and future. She also cited support from development partners, including the EU-SARAH programme and Jhpiego’s NASA programme.

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Our adolescents can relate to this because this is going to be a safe haven for young people. This facility is dedicated solely to you. There are things you cannot tell your parents, friends or even yourselves. We have dedicated and trained personnel who are here for you.