Stakeholders urge greater investment in adolescent health

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Stakeholders have called for increased investment in the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults, stressing the need for policies and programmes that support informed reproductive health choices.

The call was made during the 2025 World Population Day event themed, “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” with participation from advocacy groups, public health experts, and development partners.

Dr. Taiwo Johnson, Country Director of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria Hub, stressed the importance of giving young people access to accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. His remarks were conveyed in a statement issued by Akin Jimoh, Programme Director of Development Communications Network (DevComs).

Johnson noted that empowering youths with SRH knowledge is not just a health issue but also a rights issue. He said that informed adolescents often become agents of positive change in their communities.

He highlighted progress made since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) but added that many young people still face barriers such as stigma, misinformation, and poor access to youth-friendly services.

Abiodun Ajayi, LPAY Champion and Executive Director of the Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI), emphasized the need for more investment in education, health systems, and policy reforms that empower the youth.

“This World Population Day reminds us that young people’s needs must not be sidelined. We need investment in education, in health systems, and in policies that give us the tools to thrive,” he said.

DevComs Program Officer, Suliyat Eletu, also urged policymakers and donors to prioritize youth health. She said that with proper support, young people can lead healthier families and stronger communities, adding, “Their choices and dreams matter.”