160 healthcare providers receive training to improve youth-friendly services in Lagos

In Lagos, at least 160 healthcare professionals have begun receiving training on how to provide better care for teenagers and young adults. The state's effort seeks to enhance access to healthcare in public hospitals and lessen stigma.

Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), the two-day training is designed to equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to provide inclusive and confidential care for young people.

The training will help create a more supportive healthcare environment for adolescents, strengthen providers’ ability to handle and refer to youth-related health issues, and promote ethical standards by addressing stigma and discrimination.

Participants, selected from secondary and tertiary health facilities across Lagos, are being trained in batches from February 11 to 20, 2025, to ensure widespread impact.

At the event, the Program Manager of SOMLPforR, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, highlighted the importance of adolescent health, noting that young people make up more than 60% of the population.

She stressed that healthcare workers must be well-prepared to handle the unique challenges young people face during this crucial stage of life.

“Adolescence is a delicate period that requires careful attention,” Dr. Erinosho said.

“A teenage girl today will become a woman tomorrow, and a young boy will grow into a father. We cannot leave their care to just a few specialists—every healthcare provider must be ready to support them.”

She encouraged participants to be open-minded and willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn best practices in adolescent healthcare.

The training also focuses on key areas such as nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and effective communication to help healthcare workers build trust with young patients.

Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folasade Oludara explained that the training is designed to close knowledge gaps among young healthcare workers while also updating the skills of their more experienced colleagues

She noted that many young people avoid public hospitals because they fear being judged, stigmatized, or discriminated against by older healthcare providers.

“Youths and adolescents should feel safe and welcomed when they visit a hospital,” Dr. Oludara said. “This training will help ensure that young people have a positive experience in our health facilities, encouraging them to take their health seriously and seek medical care without fear.”

Participants described the training as insightful, saying it gave them a better understanding of adolescent health needs.

A medical social welfare officer from General Hospital, Lagos, Okunmuyide Oluwakemi said the sessions helped her see the importance of social support in adolescent development.

“This training has been an eye-opener. I plan to share what I’ve learned with my colleagues so we can work better with the medical team,” Oluwakemi said. “When doctors refer young patients to us, we will be able to provide complete care that addresses both their medical and social needs.”

Director of Health Services at Lagos State University (LASU), Dr. Nasir Ariyibi praised the initiative, saying it would help improve healthcare services in higher institutions. “Most of our patients are young people aged 15 to 25 who need specialized care,” he said.

This training will help us create a more welcoming environment for them, ensuring they get the support they need during this important stage of life.”

Lagos State is committed to providing a safe and inclusive healthcare system for young people, free from stigma and discrimination. With ongoing support from SOMLPforR, the government is focusing on training healthcare workers to better handle adolescent health challenges.

By making healthcare services more youth-friendly, Lagos aims to improve access to essential medical care, encourage healthy habits, and ensure that young people receive the support they need as they grow into adulthood.