By Kekeli K. Blamey, GNA
Adidome (V/R), Sept. 23, GNA – The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) has intensified efforts to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among adolescents in hard-to-reach communities, particularly those engaged in apprenticeship and vocational training.
The initiative, implemented under PPAG’s Adolescent Girls Empowerment Programme, and funded by Global Affairs Canada, seeks to address reproductive health challenges that could disrupt the education, skills development and future livelihoods of young people.
Mr Christopher Makam, the Focal Person for the Adolescent Girls Empowerment Programme in the Volta Region, said this at an engagement in Adidome in the Central Tongu District.
He said the Mobile Outreach programme was designed to take essential reproductive health services directly to adolescents who might otherwise face difficulties accessing healthcare.
Mr Makam said the outreach included screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including hepatitis B and syphilis, as well as HIV testing, reproductive health education and, where appropriate, free treatment for identified infections.
He said adolescents undertaking vocational training, including hairdressing, tailoring and other trades, were a key target group because reproductive health challenges such as unintended pregnancy and STIs could contribute to interruptions or premature termination of their apprenticeship.
“We want them to know the options available to them so that they can make informed decisions and successfully go through their apprenticeship programmes without dropping out because of preventable reproductive health challenges,” he said.
Mr Makam said the programme also provided information on family planning and contraceptive options, STI prevention, HIV prevention and testing, and when and where to seek appropriate healthcare.
He emphasised that confidentiality and privacy remained central to the programme, particularly in handling HIV and other sensitive health-related matters.
He said clients with reactive screening results would be handled in accordance with established health protocols and, where necessary, referred to appropriate health facilities, including facilities providing antiretroviral therapy.
“We are not working in isolation. We are working with institutions such as the Ghana Health Service, and where cases require further management, we ensure that clients are referred to the appropriate facilities,” he said.
Mr Makam said the programme had received encouraging responses from communities since its implementation began last year, with residents and traditional leaders requesting its return.
He cited instances where listeners had continued contacting radio stations weeks after PPAG engagements to enquire about when the programme would return, while a chief in another community had also requested further reproductive health education and services for young people.
He said the responses demonstrated the demand for accessible reproductive health information and services among adolescents.
Mr Makam expressed appreciation to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the management of PPAG for supporting the initiative, saying the partnership was helping to extend essential services to underserved communities.
Madam Ernestina Addy, a facilitator and health practitioner from the Ghana Health Service, said the programme was particularly important in helping adolescents make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health while pursuing their vocational aspirations.
She said both boys and girls were included in the programme, although greater emphasis was placed on girls because of the potential impact of unintended pregnancy on their education and apprenticeship.
“Most of them are naïve, and some simply do not have the right information to enable them to make informed choices,” Madam Addy said.
She added that inadequate parental guidance also contributed to some adolescents relying on peers for information, which could sometimes expose them to inaccurate advice and risky decisions.
Madam Addy called for stronger parental guidance and the creation of safe spaces where adolescents could freely ask questions and access accurate reproductive health information and services.
She urged young people to take their health seriously, protect themselves against STIs and unintended pregnancy, and remain focused on completing their apprenticeship programmes.
She said the ultimate objective was to enable adolescents to become healthy and responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health, careers and future.
The participants lauded the PPAG, UNFPA and the Global Affairs Canada for the timely intervention.
Some mentioned that the engagement had enlightened them to abstain from unprotected sexual activities and to seek medical advice whenever necessary.
They pledged to focus on their apprenticeship trainings and ensure that they emerge successful.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo