In a bid to address the challenges of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and other reproductive health issues among young people, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has joined forces with the Ekiti Community.
This collaborative effort aims to empower youth ambassadors who will advocate for improved sexual and reproductive health services in the state.
The initiative, spearheaded by the RCOG, facilitated a student-centered Sexual and Reproductive Health Training/Advocacy Workshop held at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Led by three trained Lead Ambassadors, 400 level medical students from Ekiti State University College of Medicine, the workshop focused on peer-to-peer advocacy to prevent unwanted pregnancies and eliminate unsafe abortions.
Under the theme “Students’ Peer-to-Peer Advocacy Programme towards Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy and Elimination of Unsafe Abortion,” the program was coordinated by Dr. Olofinbiyi Babatunde, the RCOG State Champion and an Associate Professor/Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Ekiti State University College of Medicine/Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
This groundbreaking event aimed to equip youth ambassadors with the knowledge and skills to address reproductive health challenges effectively.
A total of 150 youth ambassadors were recruited and trained at the program, representing various institutions including Ekiti State University College of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital College of Nursing and Midwifery, and others. The lead ambassadors, trained ambassadors, and key stakeholders resolved to establish the Ekiti Young People Health Initiative (EYPHI) World WhatsApp platform and other social media channels to facilitate continued learning, interaction, and advocacy on adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues.
The program garnered significant support and participation from key stakeholders in the health sector, including the Honorable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, and other senior officials from Ekiti State Ministry of Health, EKSUTH, EKSU, FUOYE, ABUAD, and civil society organizations.
This collaborative effort according to a release by Director of Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility
ADOLFRIC ,Tosin Olowo stresses the commitment of both local and international partners to prioritize the reproductive health needs of young people in Ekiti State.
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