Int’l Adolescent Health Week: Ministry Calls for Increased Investment for a healthier society

Int’l Adolescent Health Week: Ministry Calls for Increased Investment for a healthier society

As Nigeria commemorates the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week, (IAHW), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called for increased investment in adolescent health to ensure a healthier and more resilient society.

In a keynote address at the press briefing held today in Abuja to mark the commencement of the Week, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, emphasized the need for a holistic approach to addressing adolescent health, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.

He noted that the 2025 theme: ‘Thriving Inside-out: Strengthening Physical And Mental Health of Adolescents,’ underscores the importance of nurturing the whole adolescent – body, mind, and spirit.”

Too often, he said, “adolescents and young people’s health are viewed narrowly, and they are often portrayed negatively – as risk takers who disregard recommendations and guidance. And all too often, adolescents are neglected and kept away from participating in activities that determine their future”

Prof. Pate highlighted the significance of adolescents in Nigeria’s future, noting that they constitute 23% of the population, therefore calling for a multi-sectoral approach to address their health issues, including access to nutritious food, safe spaces for exercise, education, and mental health support.

The Minister outlined the Ministry’s efforts towards creating an enabling environment for the growth and development of its adolescents to include –
The establishment of an Adolescent and School Health Branch, facilitating a funded budget line for adolescent health development, as well as development and implementation of several adolescent health policies

While stressing the need to close the gaps in the health and development of the nation’s adolescents, Prof Pate said, “I would like to urge us all with a special call to action to our legislators at all levels for the inclusion of a specific budgetary allocation of a percentage of key line Ministries that affect the health and development of adolescents and young people. This includes Ministries of Education, Women Affairs, Youth Development, Sports, Transport and Justice, among others”

“Communities must build supportive networks that include safe recreational spaces, youth centers, and peer support groups. Policy makers must prioritize adolescent health in legislation, funding, and public health initiatives.” He added

In a welcome address, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom
noted that the theme of year’s celebration goes beyond physical health, but also their mental, emotional, and social resilience, which are equally critical to growth and productivity.

Emphasizing that adolescence comes with unique challenges that range from physical health needs to the often-overlooked area of mental well-being, she stressed that the week provides an opportunity for adolescents and their communities to come together, raise awareness, and advocate for a successful and healthy transition into adulthood

“We are deeply concerned about the challenges facing our adolescents, particularly the high burden of Sexual and Reproductive issues, including substance and drug abuse, among others. This is why we have established the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, and Elderly Health plus Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N) multi-stakeholder partnership coordination platform involving partnerships between government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners that focus on providing leadership and coordination in ensuring that adolescents thrive inside and out”

Represented by the Director of Family Health, Dr. Ukaire Binyerem, the Permanent Secretary called on all stakeholders to renew their collective commitment to building a healthier, more resilient generation of Nigerians.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Society for Family Health (SFH), Representatives of the Ministry of Education, WHO and other stakeholders, lending support to the need for the creation of a healthy environment where adolescents feel safe and supported to enable them thrive in and out