FG, WCAHealth Train ‘Big Sisters’ to Transform Adolescent Health in Enugu

The Federal Government, in partnership with WCAHealth, has trained 20 community mentors called “Big Sisters” to support adolescent girls in Enugu State under the ACCESS Programme.

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The initiative, also active in Benue and Taraba States, equips women with the knowledge and tools to guide girls through critical health and social challenges. It is implemented by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) alongside West & Central Africa Health Options Ltd/GTE (WCAHealth) as part of the ACCESS Programme.

During the four-day training in Nsukka, Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, described the mentorship model as a strategic approach to reduce maternal mortality and improve health outcomes.

“The health of adolescent girls is a foundational pillar for a healthier society. These mentors must serve as effective conduits of accurate information and guidance within their communities,” Ugwu said.

The mentors, referred to as “Big Sisters,” will engage adolescent girls—“Little Sisters”—through structured sessions and ensure referrals to youth-friendly primary healthcare facilities. Ugwu added that the initiative aligns with the state’s healthcare agenda, including the construction of Type 2 Primary Health Centres across all wards.

Big Sister officer Chidimma Ikeagwulonu explained that the programme uses a two-tier mentorship model to bridge information gaps at the grassroots. “The ‘Big Sisters’ are trusted community women—mothers, neighbours, and peers—trained to provide accurate health information and facilitate referrals,” she said.

The mentors will organise girls into groups, creating safe spaces to discuss menstrual health, consent, and relationships, ensuring critical health information reaches communities beyond hospitals.

WCAHealth noted that the programme addresses harmful social norms and promotes open conversations, empowering girls to make informed health decisions without stigma.

The week-long training, held from March 26 to 29, 2026, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to improving adolescent health and meeting global maternal and newborn health targets.

Stakeholders at the event included officials from the State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and local government representatives, ensuring strong support and sustainability.

The 20 trained “Big Sisters” will now be deployed across Igboeze North and Isi-Uzo LGAs to provide guidance, support, and access to care, connecting adolescent girls to responsive healthcare systems at the grassroots.