A three-day capacity-building training has been organised for health practitioners across the state, aimed at equipping health workers with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to provide youth-friendly health services, YFHS, in Ogun State.
The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, on Tuesday, said the training, held in Abeokuta, in collaboration with Sydani Group, aligned with the state’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its youthful population.
He stated that many young people face barriers in accessing quality healthcare due to stigma, poor communication, and inadequate service structures.
Ogunsola, represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr Thomas Solarin, noted that the training was designed to address these challenges by promoting a more inclusive and responsive health system. He added that the initiative aims to strengthen the delivery of health services that are accessible, acceptable, equitable, appropriate, and effective for young people.
The Sydani Group State Lead, Mr Ayodele Asoro, disclosed that their goal was to promote vaccine awareness and address public misconceptions about immunisation, particularly regarding the Human Papillomavirus, HPV vaccine and the upcoming introduction of the Measles Rubella vaccine.
Asoro explained that the organisation also focuses on ensuring that individuals and communities have accurate information about the safety, benefits, and importance of vaccination in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
He emphasised that the training would enable health service providers to better understand and meet the unique needs of adolescents and young adults, explaining that youth-friendly health services were not only about providing care but also about ensuring that young people feel respected, understood, and encouraged to make informed health decisions.
In his goodwill message, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Solape Folarin, appreciated the state government and Sydani Group for the training, describing it as timely with the impending introduction of the Measles Rubella Vaccine. He urged participants to regard the training as an important part of their daily activities for effective service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Adedeji Wasiu and Okonkwo Anges expressed appreciation to the organisers, stressing that the skills and insights gained would help improve interactions with young clients and foster trust in public health institutions.
