AEGiS-15IAC: Promoting community based adolescent reproductive health in Nigeria.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Promoting community based adolescent reproductive health in Nigeria.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10354)

Olowu O, Ogunmola O
Volunteer Initiatives, Ibadan, Nigeria

ISSUES: The reproductive health issues affecting the youth have been brought to the frontline because it has been shown that it is from this age group comes the majority of the new incidence of STDs and HIV/AIDS. In the Nigerian population standpoint, majority of people are below the age of 25 and the reproductive health decisions that these people make determine the quality of life of the next generation of Nigerians.

DESCRIPTION: The paper shall focus on community interventions in reproductive health for adolescents. The interventions are from experiences of a Nigerian NGO. The project operates in 3 states in South Western Nigeria involving select youth promoters. 20 youth in each Senatorial District per state were screened and recommended for training on responsible adolescent sexuality and reproductive health and rights issues. Each promoter selected at least 10 young people whom they would closely relate with, influence and educate to adopt a responsible & healthy reproductive/sexual life. The promoters will monitor the activities of the trained youths and provide support for them as they further reach out to advocate and educate others. The group meets at least once a month. They collectively assess the performance of each promoter. The strength of the promoters lies in their ability to organize and mobilize youths.

LESSONS LEARNED: Sustaining young people's interest can be a challenge; the initial enthusiasm for a work can easily wane with the competing demands of schoolwork, peer group, social activities, and family demands and expectations.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Holding of regular meetings, workshops, and the provision of a modest honorarium have helped in maintaining the membership of the youth promoters. Nonetheless, it is still necessary for the project to come up with more innovative ways of maintaining the interest & support of these promoters.

Keywords: AEGIS, Reproductive Medicine, Residence Characteristics, Population, Demography, Nigeria, Sexual Behavior, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Sexuality, Health Planning Guidelines, Peer Group, Research, Human Rights, Adolescent, Humans, Adolescence, organization & administration, education

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E10354