4th September 2024- The USAID Nigeria OVC Program Manager – Mrs Doreen Magaji has commissioned the newly setup USAID supported Adolescent and Youth Friendly Centre (AYFC) in Faith Mediplex Hospital, Edo State. Mrs Magaji who also doubles as the Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) for the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-2) Project being implemented by ARFH, expressed her unreserved excitement at the potential impact of the youth centre especially on the health and wellbeing of vulnerable young people. “This centre is in line with USAID’s strategy of supporting vulnerable children and Adolescents to access safe space they can call their own. It also resonates with our upcoming Emerging Future Leaders Program where USAID aims to create opportunities and build the leadership capacity of young people in addition to empowering them with technology skills for the future of work” Mrs Magaji said.
While welcoming USAID, ARFH and other dignitaries, the Chief Medical Director of Faith Mediplex Hospital represented by the ART Coordinator, Dr Igei Nosa, stressed the importance of collaboration and partnerships in promoting access to quality healthcare for the vulnerable groups, most especially the children and Adolescents. He conveyed the deep appreciation of the CMD and entire hospital management for the kind gesture of USAID and ARFH in siting the AYFC at the hospital.
The AYFC aims to provide a safe space and community for young people to thrive through promoting accurate health information and services, including sexual and reproductive health needs as well as other needs, such as life skills and recreational activities. In addition, the AYFC serves as a platform to implement the OTZ club (Zero missed appointment, Zero missed drugs and Zero missed Viral Load). Through the ICHSSA-2 AYFC, young people will have access to free internet, games, table tennis court, book shelf, HD plasma TV and computer facility for the benefits of the Adolescents.
The Honourable Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Barbara Osobajo stated that the AYFC is a step in the right direction in addressing the health needs of vulnerable children in the State.
Representing the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo promised to take this good news back to the commissioner while promising that Edo State will scale up this initiative across the State so as to give more opportunities to young people.
The Director General of Edo State Health Insurance Commission represented by Dr John Bosseth, Director Legal Services lauded the efforts of USAID and ARFH towards ensuring quality healthcare for vulnerable children in the State. He noted that EDOHIC will continue to cherish and work in partnership with ARFH in the areas of ensuring financial protection for the children and their families through health insurance coverage.
The ICHSSA-2 Deputy Chief of Party, Mrs Esther Brodrick-Shehu highlighted the efforts of ARFH in championing the plight of Vulnerable Children and their families in Edo and Lagos States. One of the critical benefits of the AYFC is that it will facilitate digital skills empowerment of the Adolescents in line with the Emerging Future Leaders initiative of USAID. ARFH has also launched the WhatsApp powered Virtual Space Platform named “VibeSquare” aimed at improving access of young people to real-time and accurate health information using technology.
Kelechi, an adolescent enrolled on ICHSSA-2 project was delighted that the AYFC will serve as a safe space for her to connect with her peers, learn and build lifelong leadership skills. “I feel at home and I am really happy we have a place like this to ourselves- to have our meetings, ask questions and access quality, safe and confidential healthcare services” Kelechi said.
For millions of adolescents and young people around the world, the onset of adolescence brings not only changes to their bodies but also new vulnerabilities. Many girls are forced into unwanted sex, early marriage, female genital mutilation, and cultural practices that put them at risk of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
ARFH through strategic partnerships and meaningful collaboration with donors and relevant Government Agencies will continue to be the voice for vulnerable children and adolescents’ health and wellbeing in Nigeria and beyond.
#ARFH #ICHSSA2 #AYFC #USAID #EDOSTATE #FAITHMEDIPLEXHOSPITAL #ADOLESCENTS #HIV #AIDS
