By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The African Network of Adolescents and Young Persons Development (ANAYD) have concluded a one day stakeholders introductory meeting/ consultation with Adolescents and young persons in their diversities in Anambra state.
The meeting which was held at Villa Grande Hotel, Awka with the theme “Network Initiative To Improve Key Population Friendly Public Health Care Service in Nigeria” was aimed at seeking practical ways to achieve an inclusive health for AYPs targeting Adolescents in their diversities.
In his opening remark, the Executive Director, African Network of Adolescents and Young Persons Development, Mr Haruna Aaron Sunday said that he is passionate about AYPs.
Mr Sunday who was represented by Ms Juliet Obiajulu said that the AYPs goodness and well being remain his prerogative in all ramifications ranging from health, empowerment and initiative development.
He informed that the introductory meeting with stakeholders was to enhance collaboration and to secure project buy-in from relevant stakeholders.
He explained that the Initiative – NETWORK INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE KEY POPULATION FRIENDLY PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SERVICE IN NIGERIA, is a harmonised consortia system with support from ISDAO (Initiative Sankofa D’Afrique De L’ouest) which focuses on the 2nd priority of Nigeria Communities Advocacy Plan.
According to Mr Sunday, African Network of Adolescent and Young Person’s Development (ANAYD) is a regional organisation working for adolescents and young person’s which include (Adolescent’ girls and young women(AGYW), adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV), young key populations (YKPs) and young people living with disabilities (YPLWD)) both infected or affected with HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Quoting relevant sources, he said “Adolescents and young people (AYP) constitute 48% of the Nigerian population. The HIV prevalence amongst AYP in Nigeria has risen from 0.2% for Adolescent’s age 15 -19 years to 1.3% for female 20-24 years (NAIIS 2018). While there was a 30% decrease in AIDS-related mortality in adults, there was a 50% increase in AYPs. There are approximately 35,000 newly HIV infection amongst adolescents and young people and 150,000 AIDS-related deaths in Nigeria (UNAIDS 2017 & 2018)”.
He said that his organization’s approach brings innovation with respect to Human Centred Design (HCD) approach built on human rights principles to positively influence knowledge and behavioural change, strengthen the capacity of relevant government stakeholders and health service providers towards promoting safe and non-discriminatory key population specific and integrated service for Adolescents and young people in their diversities.
He said that the objective of the initiative include to promote access to a non-discriminatory and integrated health services for Adolescents and young people in their diversities (AGYW, AYPLHIV, YLGBTQI+, YKPs and YPLWD) in Nigeria
To strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers to provide accurate, comprehensive, friendly and non-discriminatory services for Adolescents and young people in their diversities (AGYW, AYPLHIV, YLGBTQI+, YKPs and YPLWD).
Also to strengthen alliances with relevant government stakeholders, healthcare professionals and youth network/organisation members for continued advocacy engagements
The Director urged participants to give him maximum support to ensure that the goal is achieved.
Highlights of the meeting included group works where participants shared experiences while identifying issues hindering access of AYPs in integrated health services and other issues.
