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UNICEF Allocates $1 Billion to Combat Teenage Pregnancy in Nigeria

$1 Billion Is Voted by UNICEF To Tackle Teen Pregnancy In Nigeria.

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) sounded the alarm over the escalating rates of teenage pregnancies in Nigeria. The organization, dedicated to the well-being of children worldwide, called for urgent and comprehensive interventions from governments at all levels. In a significant move, UNICEF pledged a substantial $1 billion investment in Nigeria over the next five years to address this pressing issue.

The phenomenon of adolescents becoming mothers before the age of 18 has been a growing concern globally, with Nigeria experiencing a particularly alarming increase. Factors such as limited access to education, healthcare, and awareness contribute to this trend, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and restricting opportunities for young mothers. UNICEF’s recent expression of concern sheds light on the urgency of tackling this issue to ensure a brighter and healthier future for the youth of Nigeria.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, stressed the necessity of directing attention and resources towards the health and well-being of adolescents
On Monday, the United Nations Children Fund expressed concern over the rising number of adolescents becoming mothers before the age of 18.

Urging immediate and comprehensive intervention from governments at all levels, it highlighted a $1 billion investment commitment in Nigeria over the next five years.

The Chief of Health at UNICEF Nigeria, Eduardo Celades, stated this during the stakeholders forum on adolescent and youth health policies in Africa with the theme “Fostering International Partnerships to Contribute to Adolescents’ and Youths’ Health in Nigeria.”

He said the crisis was beyond substance abuse, encompassing issues like insecurity, mental health, malnutrition, and climate change.

“In our analysis of the next five years’ strategy, adolescent issues were only mentioned 14 times in nearly 100 pages. This oversight has prompted a reevaluation, and UNICEF, along with the UN, has committed a $1bn investment in Nigeria over the next five years.

“In collaboration with university students, we are working on innovative approaches to enhance vaccine coverage. We believe that by empowering young people, we can drive meaningful results. Additionally, addressing mental health concerns among the youth, affecting 10 percent, is a priority on our agenda,” he stated.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, stressed the necessity of directing attention and resources towards the health and well-being of adolescents.

He said the adolescent period was a critical period of life development during which each individual navigated the complex path from childhood to adulthood, adding that the health and approaches adopted shape the potential and contributions of each individual to national development.

The chairman of the Board of UI-Research Foundation, Chevalier Uduimo, said the objective of the program was to contribute to asset-based, impact-driven, and sustainable national policy options supporting the health of adolescents and youths in Africa.

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