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The 5th National AIDS conference in Abuja, Nigeria was a wonderful experience for me. It was themed Ownership and Sustainability. There were over 200 young people at the Youth Pre-Conference from different organizations and groups. The different plenary sessions were rich, creative, educative and Informative. It was also a very good avenue for me to network with other youth groups and allies.
Every young person had the opportunity to learn and share at the Youth pre-conference such that a communiqué was reach at the end of the youth pre-conference. The communiqué was presented at the National Opening where all the key policy makers were present and of course, the Youth Advocate Group fully represented themselves and other young people who did not have the opportunity to be present.
The communiqué gave us the perfect opportunity to let policy makers know the things that are needful in addressing ASRH issues in Nigeria. Here are some of the key points listed in the communiqué
“That the government should domesticate the entire international protocols, policies and resolutions on young people in Nigeria and Africa as regards to young people’s health and development.
That government should ensure adequate sensitization of young people on available policies and also ensure accessibility and complete implementation.
That government should take leadership in making needed resources available for youth health and development.
That all government programmes targeting young people should be all-inclusive taking into consideration their specific needs and peculiarities.
The other part of the communiqué was directed to young people. Here are some key points from the communiqué:
“That young people be involved in planning, implementation, resource mobilization at the national and international level.
That young people should utilize the opportunities they have to be informed and develop themselves.
That young people should take advantage of the media and ICT to advance advocacy issues.
That young people should take the responsibility, to familiarize themselves with policies and programmes that affects their health and development.
As we consider the theme Ownership and Sustainability, the 5th National AIDS conference brought to the fore the need for young people to get on board and be part of the change process.
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