Hundreds of apprentices in Nkwanta South have participated in a reproductive health sensitization program aimed at improving awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among young people.
The initiative was organized by the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Community Engagement Alliance (CEA) as part of efforts to strengthen public health education among youth in vocational and technical training.
The program brought together apprentices from various trades, including dressmaking, hairdressing, carpentry, auto mechanics, and electrical installation, providing them with information on sexual and reproductive health, personal hygiene, family planning, and responsible decision-making.
Health professionals who facilitated the sessions stressed the importance of accurate reproductive health information in helping young people make informed choices and protect their future opportunities.
Participants were educated on the dangers of sexually transmitted infections, the consequences of early and unplanned pregnancies, and the importance of seeking professional health services when necessary.
Officials from the ORCC noted that apprentices often fall outside the reach of conventional school-based health education program, making such interventions crucial for ensuring that all young people receive adequate reproductive health information.
The Ghana Health Service encouraged participants to take advantage of adolescent-friendly health services available at local health facilities and to serve as peer educators within their communities.
Organizers expressed optimism that the program would contribute to reducing risky behaviors among young people and help improve health outcomes across the district.
The sensitization exercise forms part of broader efforts by stakeholders to empower youth through education, health awareness, and community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development in the Oti Region.
