FG, partners, seek solutions to rising teenage pregnancy

The Federal Government and development partners have renewed their commitment to tackling the health and development challenges confronting Nigerian adolescents and young people. Speaking at a National Policy Dialogue on the Future of Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Development, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate-represented by the […]

The Federal Government and development partners have renewed their commitment to tackling the health and development challenges confronting Nigerian adolescents and young people.

Speaking at a National Policy Dialogue on the Future of Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Development, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate-represented by the Director of Family Health, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire-said the ministry is prioritising adolescent health within broader reforms in the health sector.

He explained that ongoing initiatives, including the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), and the Yo! Health programme, are designed to reduce maternal and child mortality, expand access to youth-friendly services, and harness Nigeria’s demographic dividend.

The Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), Dr. Omokhudu Idogho-represented by his deputy, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti-noted that while Nigeria has recorded progress, significant gaps remain.

• My husband’s death not accidental, alleges wife of NSCDC officer
• APC tackles Tambuwal over comment on Tinubu’s re-election bid

He cited the revision of the National Adolescent Health Policy in 2021, the Yo! Health Initiative of the Ministry of Youth Development, and the expansion of adolescent-friendly services across states as evidence of national commitment.

Dr. Idogho highlighted declining fertility rates-from 5.3 in 2018 to 4.8 in 2024-as a sign that youth health is increasingly becoming central to national development.

However, he raised concerns over findings from the 2023-24 National Demographic and Health Survey, which revealed that 15% of girls aged 15-19 have already experienced pregnancy; HIV prevalence among youth stands at 5.2%, higher than the national average, and nearly 1 in 5 young women has contracted a sexually transmitted infection.

He added that low contraceptive uptake, early marriage, and early childbearing continue to expose young mothers to high maternal mortality risks.

“The mental health burden on our young people is growing. Pressures of unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence, and unemployment are leaving many with depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem,” he said.

He stressed the need for the government to build on existing reforms, align policies with proven models, and institutionalise youth-responsive approaches nationwide.