Programming vulnerable rural adolescents: A culturally inclusive and intersectional approach to reduce risky sexual behaviors in Lagos State Nigeria

Folasade Aladesuyi, Benson O. Ohemu, Tobi Ademola-Kay

Risky sexual behaviours among adolescents pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. With a higher chance of occurrence among adolescents in rural areas who are out of school. Unfortunately, existing interventions predominantly target in-school adolescents, overlooking those with heightened vulnerability. A comprehensive and culturally inclusive project “Youth Powered Ecosystem to Advance Adolescent health (YPE4AH)” was created targeting out-of-school adolescents residing in four communities in Lagos State. The USAID funded project was initiated in 2020, is expected to last five years and has reached over 50,000 adolescents. The YPE4AH project incorporates active community involvement and is designed round a curriculum structured on physical and play-based activity. Through deliberate collaboration, community members, leaders, and stakeholders are engaged to reshape norms and values, providing a safe, culturally sensitive space for adolescents to access healthcare services. One method employed is community-based outreaches that provide health services directly to adolescents in their living spaces, featuring mass awareness sensitization campaigns covering topics such as gender-based violence, alcohol and substance abuse as entry, and ending with individual counseling sessions on contraception. Community leaders facilitated the provision of venues and mobilization of adolescents for outreach programs. The program utilized local languages and incorporated interactive and enjoyable activities.
The project has conducted over 50 outreaches, with over 45,000 adolescents accessing free sexual and reproductive health services. Acknowledging the significance of cultural and intersectional perspectives in promoting the well-being of vulnerable youth is crucial to create a holistic intervention for vulnerable adolescents.