The Sexual Reproductive Health of adolescents and young people are often compromised as a result of low knowledge on their reproductive health and limited access to adolescent youth friendly health services. This underlying factors contributes largely to the rise in HIV/AIDS and increases their risk of unplanned pregnancy, unsafe abortions and gender based violence.
In line with our mission to advance the sexual reproductive health of young people in Nigeria, SID Initiative engaged in advocacy efforts leveraging on the media to raise awareness on the importance and benefits of young people having information and accessing youth-friendly services on their sexual reproductive health.
Ms. Elizabeth Talatu Williams, SID Initiative Executive Director and Ms. Funmi Taiwo, the Communication Manager spoke on Unilag FM, 103.1 on the show tagged “Alice and the Crew on the Monday Conversation” addressing the topic: Child Marriage and Sexual Reproductive Health which took place on the 15th of April, 2019.
Ms. Elizabeth highlighted the benefits of sexuality education which included delay of sexual debut and practice of safe sex. She also dispelled some of the myths and misconception that young people have on their sexual reproductive health such as drinking salt and water will prevent pregnancy etc.
She concluded by calling all relevant stakeholders including parents, religious institutions, government, community leaders and the media to prioritize the sexual reproductive health of young people through the provision of sexuality education and access to youth friendly health services.