Adolescents and youth below the age of 24 will now have a place for proper orientation and education on their Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, which may differ from what they receive from their parents and peers.
The Adolescent Wellness Centre was created and launched on January 27, 2024, on the premises of the Bamenda Regional Hospital.
The center will offer medical care, mental health information, education, counselling, substance abuse support, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and diabetes support to children aged 10-19 and youths aged 24 and under.
Dr Denis Nsame, the Director of Bamenda Regional Hospital, stated that, the center was established due to the neglect of this particular area in public health and the need for adolescents to have a professional place to address their challenges.
“The Regional Hospital lacks a centre to address the challenges faced by adolescents, which is a neglected area in public health. Adolescents face numerous problems during their transition age. The proposed centre will address psychological, physical, mental, drug abuse, nutritional problems, and sex education, prevalent in society” Dr Nsame said.
Dr Denis Nsame cutting off ribon to officially open the center
Dr. Fomenky Njiandock, Chief of Service for the Adolescent Wellness Centre, explains that , “adolescence is a critical stage for achieving human potential and must be handled with care. The centre will act as a second home for all adolescents, preparing them for the future” she explains.
Bamenda-based youths like Chi Azinwi appreciate the existence of a centre to address their SRHR issues. “I heard about the centre from my relatives and was hesitant to come here, but I told myself I had to go see it. After interacting with the staff, I have learned a lot. I am going home knowing that I have to focus on my priorities as a youth. The clinic has made me aware of the importance of making responsible decisions in life and avoiding negative influences from peers”.
Eleven-year-old Edriana Marlyse visited the center at her mother’s urging. She said, ‘I am leaving with the knowledge that I should not be afraid to share my fears, but I must do so with the right person. I also understand that it is normal to experience changes in certain parts of my body and I am already aware of how to manage my menstrual flow.’
The adolescents were encouraged to visit the center or contact them by phone if they face any challenges in their lives.
Cross Section of youths at the launch
The Adolescent Wellness Centre is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Additionally, there is a Parenting Workshop for parents on the third Saturday of every month and a Youth Workshop on the last Saturday of every month.
This is the first center in the North West Region dedicated to educating and addressing challenges related to sexual and reproductive health among youths. The Bamenda Regional Hospital Director and the North West Regional Delegate of Public Health plan to establish additional centers in various health districts within the region to facilitate access for youths.
FR 
EN