In Nigeria, over 3.6 million persons live with HIV/AIDS with a national prevalence rate of 3.6%  However, in Rivers State where the University of Port Harcourt is located, the prevalence rate peaks to 15.2%. This means that in a gathering of 10 persons, at least 1 person is infected!  In a nation where the knowledge on HIV amongst young persons is 22.5%, much needs to be done!!

The Youth Friendly Center of the University of Port Harcourt, established in 2004, is the brainchild of the National Action Against AIDS (NACA) in partnership with ECO Bank. It aims to provide a setting for the dissemination of awareness about HIV/AIDS, STI and other related issues, create a friendly environment that would promote interactive dialogue upon topics related to sexual and reproductive health, collaborate with other stakeholders on the provision of care and support for students living with HIV/AIDS, institute comprehensive health and sexual education amongst students including: STIs, Unwanted pregnancy and conflict resolutions.

However, currently, the Youth friendly Center falls short of its responsibilities and duties. Visiting the site of this Center leaves much to be questioned as :

1.    The Center is not fully equipped with poor facilities and very few health workers

2.    Power supply is epileptic and facilities for engaging students through games, cinema sessions and discussion settings are not provided.

3.    A visit to the Center on various occasions show 2 health workers which is barely adequate to cater for the 40,000 student population.

4. There are no facilities to foster youth discussion, engagement or SRHR awareness.

Lack of a proper building Center and youth friendly facilities such as games, internet, cafes and electricity do not encourage young persons to come to the center and as such the purpose for its setup is not achieved. The purpose of this project #BreakTheSilence is to Call  ECOBank to give a facelift to the Youth Friendly Center through collecting 5000 signatures for this purpose.Through this, the purpose of the setting up of the Center would be achieved.

We believe that with proper funding and setup, the 70% of the student population of 40,000 will benefit from the Center as its services cut across all aspect of a youth’s life whilst in the University.

 This campaign is sustainable as it furthers the SDGs and positively impact upon the lives of students for several generations.

This petition is in line with our project #BreakTheSilence campaign in Mobilising Youths for Action on their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. 

Project BreakTheSilence: Mobilising Youths for Action on their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, seeks to improve Access and Services at the Youth Friendly Center of the University of Port Harcourt to students and build capacity of 5000 students of the institution on basic sexuality Education and   contraceptives use through public debates & radio discussions .

 

Call to ACTION:

We trust that with the burden of the existing problem, you would lend your voice in breaking the silence by appending your signature and joining our debate and tweets sessions and following our activities on our various social media platforms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=127oUVQBmOA

 

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Twitter: @choice_hub ;    @cbn9

 

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For enquiries email us at  choicehubfoundation@gmail.com