As part of ongoing efforts to improve adolescent and youth health outcomes in Benue State, the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and with technical support from West and Central Africa Health Options Ltd/GTE (WCAHealth), has trained 60 Community Youth Champions under the ACCESS Programme.
The three-day training, held from 2nd-4th June, 2026 in Gwer West and Okpokwu Local Government Areas, equipped participants with knowledge and skills in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, community mobilisation, social and behaviour change communication, stigma reduction, facilitation techniques, and referral pathways.
In a statement, Ada Vincent, Information Officer, Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, said a total of 60 youth champions, representing communities across the two LGAs, were selected to serve as peer advocates and community mobilizers, helping to bridge the gap between adolescents and youth-friendly health services.
The Community Youth Champion model complements the ACCESS Programme’s Big Sister Mentorship initiative, creating a community-based support system that strengthens awareness, promotes positive health-seeking behaviour, and improves access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for adolescents and young people.
Speaking at the close of the training, the Benue State Focal Person for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Mr. Apinega Aondowase, commended WCAHealth and other partners for supporting the initiative and creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to improving health outcomes within their communities.
He expressed confidence that the newly trained champions would serve as agents of positive change, supporting community engagement, health promotion, and referral efforts across their respective wards.
According to the statement, the ACCESS Programme continues to work with government, communities, and young people to strengthen adolescent-responsive health systems and ensure that every young person has access to accurate information, quality services, and the support needed to make informed health decisions.
