Nigeria's Health Minister Advocates for Adolescent Wellbeing

At the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit and National Dialogue on Transforming Gender Norms for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Abuja, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, addressed the impact of harmful gender norms on adolescents. He stated that these norms, rooted in unequal cultural expectations, can limit choices and increase vulnerability to violence, early pregnancy, and poor health outcomes.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is enhancing adolescent health through policies and partnerships, including the establishment of a dedicated budget line for adolescent health and the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy 2025-2030. This policy aims to expand access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Salako also mentioned the national HPV vaccination campaign, which has reached over 14 million girls aged nine to 14. Ekenem Isichei from the Gates Foundation emphasized the importance of grassroots ownership and the need for innovations to transition from pilot projects to sustainable systems.