08052926512, 08094428817 for Vertual Counselling

The mobile health service is a unique project that utilizes mobile phones to engage young people. It provides a mechanism for young people to ask questions around sexual health and HIV/AIDS, by text messages,through a telephone hotline, or through email/web based interface, and receive unbiased and accurate information, which enables them to make informed decisions about their sexual reproductive health. What is the issue, problem, or challenge? Nearly one-third of Nigeria's 160 million people are between the ages of 10-24.Young people bear a large burden of sexual reproductive health (SRH) complications such teenage pregnancy, STIs, HIV/AIDS amongst others. The majority of adolescents in Nigeria, 56% male and 36% female have had sex with at least 2 partners before age 17. Due to cultural views discussion of SRH issues is frowned upon, making it difficult for adolescent and young people to obtain reliable and non-judgemental information How will this project solve this problem? Most youth receive little or no sexual reproductive health (SRH) education and any education that is provided often acts to reinforce common misconception regarding the use of modern contraceptives, unintended pregnancy and STI treatment. This service provides a platform for youth to ask the SRH and HIV/AIDS questions they often have but do not feel able to ask out loud. They can submit questions either through voice call, sms, or email/online, which are answered by trained counselors. Potential Long Term Impact By adequately informing and educating young people about their sexual and reproductive health in an easily accessible, yet culturally appropriate way, the project will enhance the overall health outcomes of this important population.