Strengthening Adolescent-Friendly Health Services Across Kwara State Through Capacity Building

Every adolescent deserves access to healthcare in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and heard. Recognizing this, Adolescent Focal Persons from the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State convened for a five-day capacity-building training aimed at strengthening the delivery of adolescent-friendly health services across the state. Supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Health's Gender, Adolescent, School Health and Elderly Care (GASHE) Unit, the training equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills to provide healthcare services that respond to the unique needs of adolescents. Throughout the sessions, participants explored approaches to delivering age-appropriate health information, maintaining confidentiality, providing non-judgmental care, and creating positive experiences for young people seeking health services. These competencies are essential to building trust between adolescents and healthcare providers, ultimately improving access to quality healthcare. A key focus of the training was the importance of establishing dedicated adolescent-friendly spaces and centres where young people can access health information and services in an environment that protects their privacy, dignity, and confidentiality. Such spaces play a vital role in encouraging adolescents to seek timely care, ask questions freely, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. As Kwara State continues to strengthen its health system, investments in the capacity of healthcare providers remain central to improving health outcomes for adolescents. Equipping frontline personnel with the right knowledge, skills, and attitudes helps ensure that no young person is left behind in accessing quality healthcare. Creating adolescent-friendly health services is more than a healthcare intervention, it is an investment in a healthier, empowered, and more resilient generation.