Before A360, Nasarawa State faced significant reproductive health challenges. Although awareness of modern contraceptives was relatively high, uptake remained low, especially among adolescents and young people, resulting in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and poor reproductive health outcomes. While we introduced adolescent-friendly centers, they did not fully address the barriers limiting access to services.
A360 transformed our approach by shifting the focus from creating adolescent-friendly spaces to equipping health workers to provide adolescent and youth-friendly services. This change enabled young people to seek care with confidence, knowing they would be treated with dignity, respect, and without stigma.
The results have been remarkable. We have seen increased uptake of modern contraceptives, fewer teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions, and encouraging progress toward reducing maternal mortality. By empowering young women to make informed decisions about the healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies, we are improving the health of families and communities.
As A360 marks its 10th anniversary, I congratulate the Society for Family Health-SFH on this milestone and appreciate this enduring partnership. Beyond measurable results, the project has strengthened local systems and built capacity for sustainability. We hope this collaboration continues and serves as a model for other development partners committed to lasting, locally-owned impact.
Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan
Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health
Nigeria | A360 MMA | 2019 – 2026
