The Lagos State Government has formally opened the “Young Moms” Clinic in Lagos, the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care, Dr Olufemi Onanuga, who declared the centre open, noted that clinic was targeted at providing healthcare services for pregnant teenagers and their babies.
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Dr Onanuga noted that the initial assessment before a pilot study was conducted in Lagos Island revealed that teenagers’ knowledge about reproductive health in the community was very poor and that there was limited access to contraceptives for prevention of unwanted pregnancies among such teens in the state.
“So to bridge this gap and address these issues, this “Young Moms” clinic was piloted last year in Lagos Island Local Government Area. The results of the test have confirmed that the initiative is laudable and result oriented”, the Special Adviser said.
He said that since unprotected sex leads to unintended pregnancy amongst young people, the initiative of a specialized clinic dedicated to providing unique services to adolescent pregnant girls such as the “Young Moms” became necessary.
Dr Onanuga noted that teenage pregnancy rate in the country is alarming and has become a major health issue because of its harmful implications on girls’ physical, psychological, economic and social status.
He opined that a teenage pregnancy prevents girls from attaining their full potential due to the stress associated with nursing care, hence the need to create an environment for adolescent mothers to attain set goals despite early motherhood.
Onanuga added that the State with the assistance of its partners will not relent in its efforts towards ensuring that similar clinics are replicated in all the Local Government Areas in the State.
SourceLink: https://lagosstate.gov.ng/blog/2017/09/06/lagos-opens-clinic-for-pregnant-teens/
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