Advocacy for Integrated Health Services in Ebonyi State

On March 20, a group known as Dovenet commenced advocacy for the integration of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) services within primary health care in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The initiative aims to address persistent gaps in service delivery at the primary health care level, which include fragmented care, weak referral systems, and stigma.

Mr. Ugo Nnachi, the Executive Director of Dovenet, highlighted the importance of improving access to youth-friendly services for adolescents and vulnerable populations.

Peter Ewa, representing the organization's monitoring and evaluation office, explained that Dovenet is partnering with Jhpiego on a project designed to strengthen access to integrated health services. This project, tagged "Advancing Integrated Health Services," focuses on closing gaps in equitable access to people-centered, youth-friendly SRHR and communicable disease services.

The initiative also emphasizes the need for a non-discriminatory delivery model that combines family planning, maternal health, and responses to gender-based violence, among other health concerns.