1 the AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF)a NGOhas called on stakeholders to implement policies for young women and girls to ensure equal access to quality health care, education and economic opportunity.
two This is stated in a statement issued by Mr. Steve Aborisadethe Promotion and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeriaon Sunday in Abuja, ahead of International Day of the Girl 2022 (IDGC).
3 The Nigerian News Agency reports that IDGC is commemorated annually on October 11 to celebrate the importance, power and potential of adolescent girls around the world, as established by the United Nations.
4 The theme of the event: “Our rights, our future”, aims to educate and empower girls to succeed by taking control of their health, promoting girls’ rights and raising awareness of the challenges they face.
5 Terri Ford, Head of Global Policy and Advocacy for AHF, said girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV and many other topics related to public health.
6 According to him, AHF is committed to working hard to help ensure girls have every opportunity to thrive with the help of the AHF Girls Act program launched in 2016 in Africa.
7 “At least 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, a problem exacerbated by inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities.
8 “The COVID-19 lockdown has also led to higher rates of gender-based violence, while teenage pregnancies have skyrocketed during the pandemic.
9 “In sub-Saharan Africa, six out of seven new HIV infections among adolescents aged 15-19 are girls.
10 “Also, girls and young women ages 15 to 24 are twice as likely to be living with HIV as young men,” Ford said.
eleven The AHF chief further urged the government and stakeholders to implement policies and programs for young women and girls to ensure equal access to quality health care, education and economic opportunities.
12 doctor Echey IjezieCountry Program Director, AHF Nigeria, emphasized the need for age-appropriate access Comprehensive Sex Education (ESI)that empowers young people with the knowledge, tools and skills necessary to make informed and responsible healthy decisions.
13 However, Ijezie called on the government and stakeholders to create opportunities to ensure that young women and girls have access to age-appropriate services. CSE for their health, dignity and well-being.
14 “In commemoration of IDGC 2022, AHF Country Teams will hold ‘Our Rights, Our Future’ events around the world to bring girls together through fun, educational and empowering sessions.
fifteen “Advocates would address menstrual health management, age-appropriate comprehensive sex education, staying in school, avoiding unplanned pregnancies, building self-confidence, among others.
sixteen “In Nigeria, AHF and its partner, Strong Enough Girls Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) will engage critical stakeholders such as Ministries of Education, Health and Women’s Affairs, TCF Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
17 “Others include School Based Management Committees (SBMCyes), Secondary Education Council (SEB) and female students, in an impressive conversation in which ESI, also known as Family Life and Education, is related (FLHE) in Niger.
18 ”
Ijezie further stated that girls deserve the opportunity to succeed and said IDGC 2022 is the perfect commemoration to empower girls with tools to take charge of their health and reach their potential.
19 YAYA reports that AHF is a global nonprofit organization that provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 1.6 million people in 45 countries, including Nigeria.
News sourceCredit: NAN
