Across Nigeria and many low-medium income countries (LMICs), adolescents represent one of the largest, yet most underserved populations within our health system.
If we are serious about improving adolescent health outcomes, the answer is clear: Primary Health Care (PHC) must lead the way.
For many young people, PHC facilities are their first and sometimes only point of contact with the health system. This makes PHC not just a service entry point, but a strategic foundation for national development.
Without adolescent-responsive PHC, we risk losing a generation to preventable challenges such as early pregnancy, HIV and STIs, gender-based violence, mental health concerns, substance abuse, and poor health-seeking behaviour.
When properly strengthened, PHC can transform outcomes by:
- Providing early preventive care and screening
- Delivering youth-friendly, non-judgmental services
- Strengthening sexual and reproductive health support
- Integrating school and community health systems.
- Empowering adolescents with life skills and informed decision-making.
However, impact requires intentional investment. PHC must be adequately funded, staffed with skilled providers, equipped with essential commodities, digitally enabled, and integrated across sectors.
Adolescents are not “future adults”, they are current stakeholders.
If we get PHC right for adolescents, we are not just improving health indicators. We are shaping leaders, protecting futures, and securing national prosperity.
The strongest investment in adolescent health begins where health begins: at the primary level.
