OBJECTIVE: Sexual and reproductive health is a critical aspect of adolescent health as they contend with issues including early motherhood and pregnancy, lack of access to safe and modern contraception methods, and a high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. The project employs a life mapping exercise and vocational training as an entry point for conversations about reproductive health and achieving life goals for adolescent girls aged 15–19 in Ogun state.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: The project adopted a hub and spoke approach, using varied interventions such as Love, Life, and Health (LLH) to reach and engage adolescent girls on issues pertaining to their sexual and reproductive health choices. Health service providers made youth friendly services available by counselling the girls on the importance of family planning, menstrual and personal hygiene, relationships with the opposite sex, negotiation skills, academics, and the importance of nurturing friendships. Mums' session was organized to improve communication between mothers and their adolescent daughters, this way the girls will be free to discuss on issues that pertains to their sexuality and reproductive health with their mothers without fear of being reproached.
RESULTS: A total of 12,449 girls were reached with sexual and reproductive health messages, and 1,163 (9%) adopted a modern contraceptive method (Implant – 318, Injectables – 358, Pill – 98, Male condoms - 206 and Female condoms - 28). The programme has been able to avert 174 unintended pregnancies and 416 DALYs. It has also provided a CYP of 1,107.
CONCLUSION: Findings from the first phase of the project reveal that key players must adopt a thorough, evidence-based strategy that builds the capacity of service providers and implements creative initiatives with, and for, adolescents. Investing in adolescents' SRH needs can be best addressed by recognizing the contexts that increase their exposure to poor SRH outcomes.
