Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Yet for many young people, especially adolescent girls, accessing health services remains difficult due to stigma, limited information, and health systems that are not designed to meet their needs. As the global community calls for Rights, Justice, and Action for all women and girls, strengthening youth-friendly health services must be a key priority in advancing gender equality in Nigeria.
Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with adolescents and young people making up a significant share of the population. This demographic reality means that ensuring access to appropriate healthcare for young people is not only a health issue but also a development priority. However, many adolescents struggle to access services related to sexual and reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and gender-based violence.
Research shows that although many adolescents are aware of sexual and reproductive health issues, they rarely seek care from formal health facilities. One study found that 76.6% of adolescents had never visited a health facility for sexual and reproductive health services, and more than half said they would not seek care even if they had a problem. These findings highlight a significant gap between awareness and access, and they underscore the need for healthcare services that are designed specifically for young people.
Youth-friendly health services are designed to address this gap. These services ensure that adolescents can access healthcare that is confidential, non-judgmental, accessible, and appropriate for their developmental stage. They provide young people with safe spaces to ask questions, receive accurate information, and obtain the care they need without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Unfortunately, many health facilities in Nigeria still lack the infrastructure and training needed to provide these services effectively. Studies assessing primary healthcare facilities have found that only 11.3% offered counselling on sexuality, 17% provided counselling on safe sex, and just 3% provided services for managing gender-based violence. These gaps leave many adolescents without reliable support during a critical stage of their lives.
For adolescent girls, the consequences of limited access to healthcare services can be particularly serious. Girls often face unique challenges related to menstruation, reproductive health, and gender-based violence. Social stigma and cultural taboos can prevent girls from seeking help, while fear of judgment from healthcare providers can discourage them from visiting clinics.
Health risks among young people also remain a concern. Studies indicate that sexually transmitted infections affect a significant proportion of Nigerian youth, with female youth experiencing an estimated 17.2% prevalence of STIs and HIV prevalence among young people around 5.2%. Without access to supportive healthcare services and accurate information, many young people remain vulnerable to preventable health risks.
Youth-friendly services play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. By creating safe spaces where adolescents can ask questions, access care, and receive accurate information, these services empower young people to make informed decisions about their health. They also help reduce stigma around issues such as menstruation, contraception, and reproductive health.
Beyond improving health outcomes, youth-friendly healthcare services contribute directly to gender equality. When girls can access healthcare without barriers, they are more likely to stay in school, avoid preventable health complications, and participate fully in social and economic life. In this way, improving access to adolescent health services strengthens not only individual wellbeing but also community development.
Civil society organizations and youth advocates continue to play a critical role in bridging gaps in access to adolescent health information and services. By providing education, safe spaces for dialogue, and youth-centered resources, these organizations help ensure that young people can access accurate information and support when they need it.
Organizations such as Education as a Vaccine are actively working to close these gaps through innovative digital platforms designed specifically for young people. Through Frisky by EVA, adolescents can access reliable information on sexual and reproductive health in a private and youth-friendly format. The DIVA App helps girls and young women better understand and manage their menstrual cycles while learning more about menstrual health.
In addition, EVA’s My Question and Answer (MYQ&A) counseling service provides young people with a confidential platform where they can ask sensitive health questions and receive trusted guidance from trained counselors. These digital tools help break the silence around issues such as menstruation, contraception, and reproductive health by providing young people with safe, judgment-free access to information and support.
Achieving gender equality requires more than policy commitments, it requires systems that actively protect and support the rights of women and girls at every stage of life. Youth-friendly health services are an essential part of that effort. When young people have access to safe, supportive healthcare, they are better equipped to lead healthy lives, pursue opportunities, and contribute to stronger communities.
Advancing rights, justice, and action for all women and girls must therefore include ensuring that every adolescent has access to the healthcare services they need. Through innovative digital tools and youth-centered programming, organizations like Education as a Vaccine are helping bridge critical gaps in access to health information and support. Platforms such as Frisky by EVA, DIVA App, and the My Question and Answer (MYQA) counseling service are creating safe, accessible spaces where young people can seek accurate information, track their health, and receive confidential guidance.
As Nigeria continues to work toward gender equality, investing in youth-friendly health services, both online and offline, will remain critical. Ensuring that young people can access trusted information and supportive care is not only a health priority; it is a vital step toward building a future where the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of all women and girls are protected.