Stakeholders advocate stronger sexual health education for adolescents in Bauchi

By Bashir Hassan 

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in Sexual and Reproductive Health Education (SRHE) in Bauchi State have called for stronger integration of reproductive health education in schools and communities to improve access to accurate information and safeguard the health and wellbeing of adolescents and young people. 

The CSOs also advocated increased use of the SRHE manual in schools as part of efforts to strengthen reproductive health education across the state.

The call was made at a roundtable meeting involving CSOs, State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and community leaders, organised by Alheri YS Foundation under its Global Affairs Canada-funded ASPIRE Project, implemented by PLAN International in Bauchi State. 

Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Alheri YS Foundation, Mrs. Rachel Farayola said the participation of stakeholders demonstrated their commitment to protecting the health, dignity, education and future of adolescent girls, young people and children. 

Also speaking, Mustapha Ajanah of FAWOYDI said children deserved to grow up healthy, informed and in school, stressing that silence and misinformation could undermine their health and future.

Ajanah urged stakeholders to support the integration of reproductive health education in schools and communities, while encouraging collaboration with PLAN International and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to train teachers, provide appropriate learning materials and engage parents. 

The meeting also featured a presentation on the current state of adolescent health in Bauchi by the Adolescents Health Desk Officer of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Mr Umar Ningi, who highlighted achievements and challenges in adolescent health. 

Our Correspondent reports that, panel discussions and contributions from participants focused on strengthening SRHE in schools and communities, with stakeholders calling for greater coordination and synergy among CSOs to enhance advocacy and achieve sustainable results.