By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced activities for the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week to promote young people’s health and encourage them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
The week-long programme, which runs from October 12 to 18, is being observed under the theme, “Nothing About Us Without Us.” It began on Monday with an advocacy visit to Gran Hermano Academy and a health awareness session at Divino Armour Vocational Institute.
The activities reflect the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration to improving healthcare and supporting the wellbeing of young people. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, is leading efforts within the ministry to promote adolescent health and improve access to reliable health information and appropriate health services.
The Soludo administration has also supported initiatives to improve the health and dignity of schoolgirls through menstrual hygiene education and the provision of sanitary pads. These efforts help girls manage menstruation safely and continue their education with confidence.
During the visit to Gran Hermano Academy, the team encouraged school authorities to support adolescent health education and ensure that students have access to accurate health information. At Divino Armour Vocational Institute, students participated in a sensitisation session on adolescent health and the importance of making informed choices.
The Coordinator of the Adolescent Reproductive Health Unit, Mrs Ifeoma Nwakpadolu, is coordinating the activities aimed at raising awareness and ensuring that the health needs of adolescents receive proper attention.
The theme, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” highlights the importance of involving young people in planning and implementing programmes that affect their lives. Their views and experiences are essential to developing health services that respond effectively to their needs.
The week’s activities will also include school outreach programmes, radio and television discussions, and collaboration with development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote adolescent health across Anambra State.
The activities are being supported by Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), alongside other stakeholders working to advance adolescent health and wellbeing.
The Ministry of Health has called on parents, school authorities, healthcare workers, community leaders and development partners to support efforts to improve the physical, mental and reproductive health of adolescents.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment, under Governor Soludo’s administration and the leadership of Commissioner Obidike, to promoting adolescent-friendly healthcare, providing reliable health information and empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and future.
