Ogun State Govt, JICA Trains Social Mobilizers to Enhance Adolescent Health
Towards improving adolescent health outcomes in the state, Ogun State Government in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has initiated a training program in Abeokuta for Social Mobilizers across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.
Speaking at the training, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Department Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola said that the partnership seeks to address pressing health concerns, including high maternal mortality rates and teenage pregnancy, which affect adolescents’ well-being in the State.
Dr Ogunsola noted that the capacity-building initiative would enable mobilizers to engage with communities effectively, leveraging indigenous events and cultural platforms to disseminate information and promote family planning services, by fostering a supportive environment, saying that the program seeks to improve access to healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.¹
He also said that ensuring effectiveness of the program, the Ogun State Government would conduct regular monitoring and evaluation activities. which would involve tracking key indicators, such as the number of adolescents accessing healthcare services, and identifying areas for improvement. By leveraging data and lessons learned, the government can refine its strategies and make informed decisions to optimize the program’s impact. Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthier, more resilient community, where adolescents can thrive and reach their full potential.
On her part, the JICA Programme Health Officer, Ms. Ajibike Adewole, noted that adolescents and youths needed to make right reproductive health decisions which could affect their socio-economic and general well-being, commending the participants for their punctuality.
Responding on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Busirat Adelani, appreciated government for providing enabling environment for development partners’ collaboration, promising to apply what they had learnt appropriately.
