WCAHealth, Enugu trains 60 sexual reproductive health champions
By Ojoma Akor
The West and Central Africa Health Options (WCAHealth), in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Health, has trained 60 community youth and leaders as Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) champions.
The three-day training program, held under its Comprehensive Care and Essential Support Services (ACCESS) Program in Enugu, brought together participants from Igbo-Eze North and Isi-Uzo Local Government Areas of the state. The newly trained champions are expected to serve as advocates and trusted sources of information on sexual and reproductive health issues within their communities.
Speaking at the close of the training sessions conducted in both LGAs, Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Paul Ugwu, commended WCAHealth for the initiative and lauded the participants for their commitment to advancing adolescent health and wellbeing.
Prof. Ugwu, who was represented by Dr. Douglas Nwagbo, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Manager at the Enugu State Ministry of Health, said the program was designed to address persistent barriers preventing adolescents, particularly girls, from accessing accurate and reliable sexual and reproductive health information.
He said, “ACCESS is a government of Nigeria program implemented through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), with support from implementing partners.”
He highlighted that Nigeria continues to face considerable adolescent sexual and reproductive health challenges, including limited access to accurate information, stigma surrounding reproductive health services, harmful social norms, and weak community-to-facility referral systems.
“While investments in health facilities remain essential, evidence shows that improving adolescent health outcomes also requires trusted community champions and influencers who can engage young people where they live, learn, socialize, and seek support,” he said.
Prof. Ugwu explained that the 60 trained champions, representing the 30 wards across Igbo-Eze North and Isi-Uzo LGAs, will play a pivotal role in promoting awareness, encouraging positive behavioral change, and fostering supportive environments for adolescents.
The champions are expected to serve as key community advocates, helping young people access accurate sexual and reproductive health information, make informed decisions, and connect with appropriate health services in their communities.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by government and development partners to strengthen community engagement and improve access to adolescent-friendly health services across Enugu State.
With the deployment of the sexual and reproductive health champions, stakeholders believe communities will be better positioned to support adolescents in making healthier choices and accessing life-saving reproductive health services.