Introduction and the project our organization is implementing

The Health Policy Research Group at the University of Nigeria, led by Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, is dedicated to transforming the landscape of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services for young people in Nigeria, with transferrable lessons to other parts of Africa. Guided by our principal investigator, Prof. Chinyere Ojiugo Mbachu, and co-investigators Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe and Prof. Nkoli Ezumah, we are implementing an innovative project which aims to improve youth-friendly sexual and Reproductive Health Services through Gender-Transformative and Intersectional Approaches in Nigeria. This project aims to address specific challenges faced by young people accessing SRHR services while promoting gender equity and empowerment.

Our Work and the Sustainable Development Goals

Our project aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing for everyone) and SDG 5 (gender equality and empowerment for women and girls). These goals resonate deeply with our mission, as we believe that comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or any other personal characteristics, including disabilities.

Target 3.7 of SDG 3 aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information, and education, by 2030. Similarly, target 5.6 of SDG 5 seeks to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. For us, these targets are not just mere aspirations because they reflect the sexual and reproductive health burden commonly experienced by young Nigerians.

Where is the project based and what groups are involved?

This SRHR project is being carried out in Ebonyi State, situated in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The research engages community stakeholders, young people aged 15 to 24 years, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By fostering collaboration and dialogue with these participants, we aim to establish and re-envision youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services that meet the SRHR needs of young people in Ebonyi State, with the potential for transferable lessons to other parts of Nigeria and Africa.

Short- and Long-Term Goals of our project

Our research goals are structured to ensure both immediate and lasting impacts. At baseline, we assessed the state of youth-friendly SRHS in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and found that unfavourable working conditions and gender biases among healthcare providers hinder young people from accessing equitable and non-discriminatory SRH services. Our baseline assessment utilized surveys, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and young people to gather data on the attitudes and experiences in accessing SRHR services.

We are developing and implementing intervention strategies that consist of training healthcare providers on a gender-transformative approach to youth-friendly SRHR service delivery and an integrated action learning process. These strategies not only aim to address the immediate needs of young people but also aim to contribute to systemic changes that promote gender equity and empower young people to take charge of their SRH. We envision a future in which young people can access appropriate care and feel confident in making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health without facing any form of discrimination.

Measures of Success to determine if the goals of your project are achieved

To evaluate the effectiveness of our project intervention, we will use the RE-AIM framework, which focuses on five key outcomes: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (sustainability). Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, our study will measure the number of young people accessing SRHR services before and after the intervention, changes in healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes to the application of a gender-transformative approach to youth-friendly SRHR services. We will measure the number of healthcare providers trained in youth-friendly practices, as well as their confidence in delivering these services. We will also measure young people’s level of satisfaction with the healthcare received, their experiences, and the impact of our interventions.

Challenges Faced in Ensuring Project Success

Our project is built on a solid vision, yet we encounter multiple challenges that may hinder its success. A significant hurdle is the existing attitudes toward young people’s SRHR issues in Nigeria. Healthcare providers often hesitate to offer SRHR services to young people, while young people themselves are reluctant to seek these services due to cultural norms and societal pressures. These cultural expectations may also pose difficulties during the execution of our community action learning approach intervention. Nonetheless, collaboration with influential community stakeholders could help alleviate this concern.

Another challenge is the intersectional nature of the issues we were addressing. Young people in Nigeria face multiple layers of discrimination based on gender, age, physical features such as height and disabilities, socioeconomic status, and residence. This intersectionality may negatively influence our approach as we will be considering the experiences and needs of young people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse features. In implementing and evaluating our intervention on gender-transformative approaches, we will be committed to ensuring inclusivity and addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.

What other SDGs is our organization, or you as an individual, working towards addressing

Our organization, the Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) at the University of Nigeria, is also addressing SDGs 6 and 11 through our projects. For Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), we are implementing initiatives like training stakeholders on Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Anambra State. For Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), one of our projects aims to promote health and well-being in urban slum settings and address health inequities. HPRG's work focuses on ensuring that cities and communities are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of improving youth-friendly SRHR services in Nigeria, we remain steadfast in our commitment to gender equity and empowerment. The challenges we may face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. Our project is not just about meeting targets; it is about transforming lives and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to access the SRHR services and the information they need to thrive.