Okai Haruna, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, has called on the federal government to add ‘Comprehensive Life-Skill and Health Education’ to school curriculum to boost awareness.

Mr Haruna made the call at the graduation ceremony of secondary school students, who participated in the Comprehensive Life-Skill and Health Education Programme, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, before the establishment of PPFN in 1958, unplanned pregnancy, dumping of infants, lack of communication, menstrual health, and hygiene were serious issues affecting society.

“We decided to take it up in the form of family planning. Recently, we have evolved into what we call Reproductive Health Services. These services involve all these things we are talking about. PPFN has also extended it to adolescents, vulnerable people, and internally displaced persons.

“We decided to face these adolescents,  because children are the leaders of tomorrow. If they are not aware of their bodies and how to take care of them, the issue of unwanted pregnancy and mortality will continue to  escalate.

“Also, we are calling on the federal government to put this Comprehensive Life-Skill and Health Education into the school curriculum,” said Mr Haruna.

The PPFN boss noted that sex was a natural thing that parents should not shy away from talking about, adding that everything possible must be done to make sure that things are done the proper way. 

He added that, as such, the PPFN had to take the programme to secondary schools and universities to ensure they are aware of their bodies and know how to communicate, give consent, and choose the method they prefer.

Olabisi Otusanya, a teacher with the Army Day Secondary School, Mambilla Barrack, Abuja, encouraged parents to be more proactive in discussing reproductive health with their children.

Meanwhile, Michael Aigbe, a student from Government Day Secondary School, Karu, advised male adolescents to always assist females during their menstruation and ensure they are safe and comfortable.

Similarly, a student from Government Secondary School, Lugbe, Faith Omuah, thanked PPFN for the opportunity to learn more about her body, menstruation, and addressing some misconceptions and misinformation.

She advised female students to seek authentic information about menstruation and confide in trusted and responsible teachers and individuals in society.

(NAN)