The Osun State Commissioner for Health, Honourable Jola Akintola, has called for inclusion of adolescents in health policies in order to ensure that their voices are heard to address their specific health needs .
Akintola made the call during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW), held at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Ministry of Health, Abere.
With the theme, “Nothing About Us Without Us: Power, Voice and Health Equity for All Adolescents,
the Commissioner emphasised that adolescents are vital to the future of society and should therefore be actively involved in decisions affecting their health, welfare and development.
He noted that the theme reinforces the importance of giving adolescents a voice in decisions that directly affect them, while promoting equitable access to healthcare services, appropriate information and support systems.
He further stressed the need for policymakers to create an enabling environment where adolescents can express their concerns freely, access youth-friendly health services and contribute meaningfully to decisions concerning their well-being.
In his remarks,the Executive Secretary ,Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Shina Igbalaye, expressed profound appreciation to the organisers, UNICEF, TCI and other partners, health care facility team,students and other stakeholders for their support and commitment to the success of the programme.
Dr. Igbalaye said the health facility had briefed him on the activities and developments surrounding the programme as he also expressed satisfaction with the willingness of the participants to support the initiative.
The Executive Secretary particularly appreciated the students in attendance. He described the programme as a valuable opportunity to learn, develop their professional interests and contribute to improving community health.
Dr. Igbalaye emphasised that collective commitment and collaboration remain essential to improving adolescent health and that of young people.