Fed Govt, agency train 20 ‘Big Sisters’ to boost health support
Federal Government has intensified efforts to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), with the training of 20 community mentors called “Big Sisters,” in Enugu State under the ACCESS Programme.
Federal Government has intensified efforts to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), with the training of 20 community mentors called “Big Sisters,” in Enugu State under the ACCESS Programme.
The initiative, implemented simultaneously across Enugu, Benue and Taraba states, is designed to equip selected women with the knowledge and tools to guide adolescent girls through critical health and social challenges.
Spearheaded by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with West & Central Africa Health Options Ltd/GTE (WCAHealth), the programme forms a key component of the Access to Comprehensive Care & Essential Support Services (ACCESS) Programme.
Speaking during the four-day training in Nsukka, Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, described the mentorship model as a strategic intervention to tackle maternal mortality and improve health outcomes among young girls.
“The health of adolescent girls is a foundational pillar for a healthier society. These 20 mentors must serve as effective conduits of accurate information and guidance within their communities,” Ugwu said.
He said the trained mentors would engage adolescent girls, referred to as “Little Sisters,” through structured sessions and ensure proper referrals to youth-friendly primary health care facilities.
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Ugwu said the initiative aligned with the state’s broader health care agenda, noting ongoing investments in primary health care infrastructure.
“The construction of Type 2 Primary Health Centres across all wards is a demonstration of government’s commitment to ensuring accessible health care for all, especially vulnerable groups,” he said.
The Big Sister officer, Chidimma Ikeagwulonu, says the intervention adopts a two-tier mentorship approach designed to bridge the information gap at the grassroots.
“The ‘Big Sisters’ are trusted community women—mothers, neighbours, and peers—trained to provide accurate health information and facilitate referrals to youth-friendly health facilities,” she said.
She noted that the mentors would organise adolescent girls into groups, creating safe spaces for discussions around menstrual health, consent and relationships.
According to her, this approach ensures vital health information and services extend beyond hospitals into communities where they are most needed.
WCAHealth says the initiative is driven by the need to break the silence surrounding reproductive health issues, particularly in rural areas where cultural barriers often limit access to accurate information.
“By addressing harmful social norms and promoting open conversations, the programme aims to empower girls to make informed decisions about their health without fear of stigma,” the organisation said.
The week-long training, running from March 26 to 29, marks a significant scale-up in Nigeria’s commitment to improving adolescent health outcomes and meeting global targets on maternal and newborn health.
Stakeholders at the event included officials from the state Ministry of Health, state Primary Health Care Development Agency and local government representatives, ensuring strong institutional backing and sustainability.
With the training set to conclude, the 20 newly trained “Big Sisters” are expected to be deployed across communities in Igboeze North and Isi-Uzo local government areas of Enugu State.
Their mandate is to provide guidance, support and access to care—ensuring adolescent girls are better informed, empowered and connected to a responsive health care system at the grassroots.
