Unicef, UNFPA & Adamawa govt trains 32 adolescent girls on hygiene.

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Unicef, UNFPA & Adamawa govt trains 32 adolescent girls on hygiene.

From Umar Dankano, Yola

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with Adamawa state government have organized a two day advocacy training to some adolescent girls on self confidence and menstrual hygiene in Adamawa state.

The capacity-building training funded by the European Union, EU held in Yola from Tuesday 14th to Wednesday 15th October 2025 was part of activities marking the 2025 Adolescent Girls’ week celebration which was graced by thirty two (32) adolescent girls drawn from twenty one (21) local government areas in the state.

In her remarks at the occasion, Adamawa team lead, Egla Dauda said that the adolescent girls need to be given special attention and care concerning their well being and hygiene noting the

urgent need to create more safe spaces for adolescent girls in health facilities.

Dauda explained that such spaces would allow young girls to speak freely about their health and personal challenges without fear of discrimination or stigmatization.

“Most of our health facilities lack dedicated spaces for adolescents, especially for pregnant girls who often feel judged when they try to seek help. Creating safe spaces in every local government area will make it easier for adolescent girls to access care and counseling confidently,” she said

She stressed that safe spaces guarantee confidentiality and mental safety, adding that empowerment initiatives like this can help reduce crime rates by providing meaningful engagement for young people.

She hampered on the importance of empowering young girls with practical skills such as producing reusable sanitary pads highlighting that the program also focused on menstrual hygiene, creating safe spaces for adolescents, and equipping 219 nurses with skills to support adolescent girls’ physical and mental well-being in these safe spaces.

‎UNICEF Health Officer, Olusheyi Olusunde, explained that the training is part of the SARAH Initiative (Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health), a four-year program funded by the EU and implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA in Adamawa, Kwara, and Sokoto States.

‎“SARAH aims to provide targeted support for adolescent girls and young women, focusing on reproductive health, mental health, and menstrual hygiene,” Olusunde stated.

‎As part of the initiative, five girls from each of the 21 LGAs will receive training on reusable pad production to reduce unsafe menstrual practices, such as using leaves, rags, or tissue paper.

‎Sunday Stephen from the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency noted that “one-stop shop” care centers have been established in five LGAs to respond to the needs of adolescent girls, including pregnant teens aged 15 to 19. He added that 309 health workers have been trained to provide specialized care for adolescents.

‎UNICEF MNCH Health Manager, Martin Alex Dohlsen, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for adolescents as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

‎“Adolescents need spaces where their voices are heard and their challenges are addressed. This is a critical stage that requires attention and care,” Dohlsen said.

‎EU SARAH Project Manager in Adamawa, Ahmed Yero, also noted that empowering adolescent girls gives them a platform to become role models and change agents within their communities.

‎The SARAH initiative continues to build adolescent-friendly health systems across the three participating states, ensuring young girls can access safe spaces, quality care, and opportunities to thrive.