*Stakeholders at the Youth Health Financing Dialogue, in Abuja, advocate a dedicated health finance policy specifically targeting unemployed and vulnerable youths in Nigeria, noting multi-sectoral collaboration is crucial for improved healthcare accessibility and affordability

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In addressing the challenges young people encounter in accessing healthcare, stakeholders at the Youth Health Financing Dialogue, in Abuja, FCT, have advocated a dedicated health finance policy specifically targeting unemployed and vulnerable youths in Nigeria.

The call for action is sequel to findings from the recent 鈥榊outh Health Access鈥� survey, which revealed significant financial challenges faced by these groups in accessing healthcare services in the West African country.

绿帽献妻 learnt the Development Education Network (DEAN) Initiative organised the event in collaboration with Irish Aid.

The programme is designed to address these critical issues and drive actionable solutions in the healthcare sector of the economy.

The Youth Health Access survey report also offered a comprehensive analysis of the challenges young people encounter in accessing healthcare.

It further highlighted key issues, including financial barriers, gaps in social protection, and the overall state of youth health in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Semiye Michael,

Executive Director of DEAN Initiative, underscored Nigeria鈥檚 rapidly growing youth population and and the pressing need for sustainable health financing models tailored to their specific needs, report said.

Michael stated that multi-sectoral collaboration is crucial in tackling youth health challenges, and improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.

He equally highlighted

other recommendations to include implementing data systems to identify unemployed youths, launching health awareness programmes to educate them on health insurance benefits, providing mental health services, and training primary health staff to adopt youth-friendly approaches for better engagement and care.

Presenting the Youth Health Access survey report, Mr. Taiye Ojo, Programme Manager at DEAN Initiative, also highlighted the health challenges young Nigerians faced in the FCT.

Ojo said lack of awareness about health insurance had led several young consumers to rely on self-medication, which usually poses significant risks to their well-being.

Also in a presentation on health financing policies and youth social protection, Dr. Gafar Alawode, a public health expert, examined existing policies and the gaps that need urgent attention in the health sector of the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Alawode emphasised the importance of increased funding and youth participation in policy formulation to ensure that their healthcare needs were effectively addressed and their voices heard.

Dr. Obinna Ebirim, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister for Youth Development, commended the

Development Education Network (DEAN) Initiative on the report.

The expert reaffirmed the Federal Ministry鈥檚 commitment to prioritising youth health and well-being.

Other stakeholders at the dialogue advocated increased budgetary allocations for youth health and the implementation of youth-centered financing strategies to foster a healthier and more productive population.

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