Intensifying Training for Teachers and Health Workers on Sex Education to Improve Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health in Ghana
A research study conducted by the African Health Economic and Policy Association (AfHEA) has highlighted the need for improved training for teachers and health workers in Ghana to provide relevant sex education to students. The study also emphasized the importance of making adolescent-friendly services available and affordable to enhance sexual reproductive health (SRH) among adolescents.
Presenting the research findings on access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana: a qualitative study at a workshop in Accra, Ama Pokua Fenny, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), pointed out that the current sex education in schools is inadequate. Teachers often lack the necessary exposure to address the specific needs of their students in terms of sex education. Furthermore, adolescents find it challenging to discuss sex-related topics with their parents or community members.
Girls, in particular, face a higher degree of stigma when accessing SRH services. Those seeking contraceptives are often labeled as scandalous. According to the research, SRH services are usually poorly resourced and not tailored to the specific needs of adolescents.
The study also revealed that 93% of sexually active adolescents in unrestricted environments do not use contraceptives, even though 80% of them have a basic knowledge of ASRH issues. Dr. Gifty Ekua Merdiemah, a Research Fellow at the Medical and Scientific Research Centre of the Ghana Medical Centre (MRSC-UGMC), emphasized the need for more attention to the SRH of adolescents in unrestricted environments by university authorities and policymakers. The cost and location of healthcare services often act as barriers for adolescents in accessing reproductive health facilities.
To address these challenges and improve adolescent sexual reproductive health, public universities are called upon to introduce well-structured ASRH orientation programs and establish adolescent health corners with a wide range of SRH services. The collaborative effort of stakeholders is crucial in formulating policies and implementing programs that effectively address the SRH needs of adolescents in public universities.
The research findings highlight the urgent need to intensify training programs for teachers and health workers in Ghana. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive and relevant sex education, we can empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. It is imperative to ensure that adolescent-friendly services are widely available and affordable, removing barriers and promoting equitable access to SRH services.
By prioritizing the improvement of adolescent sexual reproductive health in Ghana, we can create a healthier and more informed young generation. It is our collective responsibility to support the implementation of evidence-based policies and programs that address the specific needs of adolescents and ensure the sustainable financing of ASRH services.
As we move forward, let us strive for a society that fosters open and non-judgmental discussions about sex and empowers adolescents to prioritize their sexual and reproductive health. By investing in the training of teachers and health workers and making accessible and affordable SRH services available, we can achieve positive changes in the lives of Ghanaian adolescents and secure a healthier future for all.
