FG urged to include sexual reproductive health education in curriculum

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Adeyemi Temitayo

AIDs Vaccine Advocacy Coalition,(AVAC) has advocated for the inclusion of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH)  education, HIV testing services and age consent education into the school curriculum in the country.

The call was made by an AVAC Fellow, Mr David Ita at the launch of a report of a desk review of AYP Access to SRH and Age of Consent to HTS and SRH Services on August 7, 2019 in Lagos.

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Ita said the call was necessary so as to reduce or end sexual abuse, HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortion, maternity mortality due to inaccessibility to the required health support services.

According to the report, investment in the sexual reproductive health and development of adolescents will not only guaranty healthy future for the Nigeria nation but also ensure the achievement demographic dividend for the country.

“ It is critical that government at all levels, society organizations, private sectors and donor agency strengthen its efforts towards a holistic approach to the address the sexual reproductive health and HIV prevention, treatment and care need of adolescents,” the report stated.

According to Ita, young people between the ages of 10 to 24years constitute 33.6% of Nigerians population which last 12months records 2% male and 4% female between 15 and 19 had tested for HIV.

While the median age of sex is 17years, but before the ages of 17, some adolescents are bearing children already due to unwanted marriage, sexual violence and rape which cause for unsafe abortion.

Parents were therefore urged to help in educating the adolescents before they are  exposed to sex.

 

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