By Mudiaga Affe
As the world marks Day of the African Child, the Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health (AYSRH) and The Challenge Initiative (TCI) have called on society to properly guide the youths and adolescents against sexual abuse.

This year’s Day of African Child, which was held June 16, had the theme, “30 years after the adoption of the charter: Accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for Children.”

However, speaking during a roundtable discussion/training with media practitioners organized by the Edo State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the TCI, Focal Person of AYSRH, Dr. Benard Emonena, noted that society cannot be shy away from youths and adolescents, who have the larger population.

Emonena said youths and adolescents have sexual needs, which according to him, if not properly guided and cared for, could mar their features and truncate their goals.

He added that AYRH services are safe and do not promote promiscuity as speculated and believed by some persons.

Emonena, who advised that fears, especially of infertility and specific needs should also ward off, urged media practitioners to be more committed to propagating the “gospel of AYSRH in the state.”

While commending the media for the work done so far as regards AYSRH in the state, he empathized the for media practitioners to inculcate in their reportage the Reproductive Health gatekeepers, including parents, schools, traditional rulers while their supportive roles should equally be addressed.

“The onus is on the media to give us a clearer picture through proper information dissemination and adequate reportage.  The media group is doing well, but more needs to be done,” he added.

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He said AYSRH and TCI services are readily available in Edo State, adding that state-trained service providers are working round the clock to make sure such services are accessible and provided at no cost.

Also speaking, Health Educator/DG AYRH Focal Person, Edo State Ministry of Health, Mr. Denyinye Hitlar, noted that AYRH services uptake prevents unwanted pregnancy and unexpected early marriage.

While urging the youth and adolescents to take up AYRH services as “it enables such youths to achieve their future ambitions as well as resolving their unmet needs,” Hitlar said the service also prevents abortion.

He listed AYRH services to include Life Planning (conceptive counseling and services), treatment and prevention of reproductive tract infections and STIs, menstrual complication care, AY pregnancy care, rape treatment/care, post-abortion care, among others.