At the recent Youth Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated health finance policy focused on addressing the healthcare challenges faced by unemployed and vulnerable youth groups in Nigeria.
The call follows the release of the ‘Youth Health Access’ survey, which identified significant financial barriers that hinder these youth groups from accessing essential healthcare services.
Organized by the Development Education Network (DEAN) Initiative in partnership with Irish Aid, the event sought to explore actionable solutions to these pressing issues. The Youth Health Access survey report provided an in-depth analysis of the health struggles young people face, including financial limitations, gaps in social protection, and the overall state of youth health in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Semaye Michael, Executive Director of the DEAN Initiative, highlighted the need for sustainable health financing models that cater to Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population. He stressed that multi-sectoral collaboration was essential to address youth health challenges and ensure affordable healthcare access.
Among the key recommendations were the introduction of data systems to identify unemployed youth, launching health awareness programs on health insurance benefits, providing mental health services, and training primary healthcare staff to engage with youth more effectively.
Taiye Ojo, Programme Manager at DEAN, further explained the dire situation in the FCT, where lack of health insurance awareness has led many young people to self-medicate, which poses serious health risks.
Dr. Gafar Alawode, a Public Health Expert, examined gaps in existing policies, calling for increased funding and youth participation in health policy development to ensure that young people’s needs are addressed.
Dr. Obinna Ebirim, Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth Development, also expressed the ministry’s commitment to prioritizing youth health.
The dialogue concluded with calls for increased budget allocations for youth-centered health initiatives and financing strategies aimed at building a healthier, more productive population.
