A total of 187 adolescents from Anyanui, Atiteti and Agbledomi in the Anloga District have benefited from sexual and reproductive health education and free screening for sexually transmitted infections.
The programme aimed to improve awareness, promote positive behaviour and confirm STI-free health outcomes among participants.
The intervention, organised by the Anloga District Health Directorate with support from the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), focused on equipping adolescents with practical knowledge to make informed life choices, protect their health and remain focused on their education.
The programme combined sexual and reproductive health education with on-site screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Key topics discussed included abstinence from premarital sex, healthy lifestyle choices, resisting negative peer influence and the long-term consequences of irresponsible sexual behaviour, such as teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortions.
The outreach climaxed on Thursday, December 18, at the Anyanui Health Centre, involving students of Anyanui E.P. Basic School, after earlier sessions held at Atiteti and Agbledomi.
Leading the educational sessions, Madam Getrude Agbayiza of the Anloga Health Directorate urged the adolescents to prioritise their education and personal development.
“Young people must understand that the choices they make today can either protect or destroy their future. Avoiding irresponsible lifestyles will help prevent teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions and their life-threatening consequences,” she said.
Madam Faustina Offei, also of the Anloga Health Directorate, said the programme was designed to reach adolescents early with preventive education and regular screening.
“Our goal is to educate adolescents to live responsible lives and protect their sexual and reproductive health through sustained engagement,” she said.
Feedback from beneficiaries showed a positive shift in mindset, with many describing the sessions as eye-opening and helpful in understanding adolescent responsibilities.
Female participants, in particular, said the education helped them better appreciate how premarital sex, teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortions could disrupt their education and future aspirations.
Health data from the screening indicated that all participants tested negative for STIs, an outcome officials described as encouraging and reflective of the impact of previous youth-focused interventions in the area.
To reinforce the lessons, an educational movie titled “Atowa,” highlighting the effects of teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion, was screened for participating students.
Health officials said the success of the programme underscored the importance of sustained adolescent-focused SRH education and preventive healthcare, especially in rural and coastal communities.
