Sexual Reproductive Health Is A Fundamental Right, Not A Luxury – Expert
Marking SRH Awareness Day
A Consultant-in-training at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Olufiade Oyerogba, has described sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege reserved for a few.
Speaking in Ibadan to mark the 2026 Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day, observed annually on 12 February, Oyerogba stressed the urgent need to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and promote open conversations around reproductive health issues.
The annual observance seeks to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health challenges, promote preventive practices, and encourage utilisation of essential healthcare services, including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Sexual and reproductive health is not a luxury,” Oyerogba said. “It is a fundamental right that every individual deserves access to, regardless of age, gender or socio-economic background.”
Common Challenges and Root Causes
According to the gynaecologist, Nigeria continues to grapple with a range of SRH challenges, including high rates of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, adolescent pregnancies, infertility linked to untreated infections, and gender-based violence.
She explained that many of these problems are fueled by limited access to accurate information, poverty, cultural stigma, and weak healthcare systems.
“These issues are largely preventable,” she noted, adding that comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly services, improved access to contraception, and strengthened primary healthcare systems are critical to reversing the trend.
Oyerogba emphasised that investing in women’s health and adolescent education would not only improve individual wellbeing but also strengthen families and promote national development.
Parents, Culture and Open Dialogue
The UCH senior registrar urged parents to take a proactive role in educating their children about sexuality and reproductive health.
“Silence is no longer protection,” she said. “If parents don’t educate their children, social media and peers will.”
She advised that conversations should begin early, be age-appropriate, and create a safe environment where children can ask questions freely. According to her, sexuality education is not solely about preventing pregnancy but about teaching consent, respect, boundaries, and personal responsibility.
Oyerogba also acknowledged the significant influence of culture and religion on SRH awareness. While these institutions promote moral values and family cohesion, she noted they can also perpetuate taboos around discussing sexuality and discourage contraceptive use.
“The solution is not confrontation but collaboration,” she said, advocating engagement with religious and traditional leaders as partners in promoting health education.
Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality
The gynaecologist called for urgent action to address maternal and infant mortality, describing it as a national priority.
She advocated for skilled birth attendants at every delivery, stronger emergency obstetric and neonatal care services, improved antenatal attendance, expanded health insurance coverage, and wider access to family planning services.
“No woman should die giving life,” she said. “Most maternal deaths are preventable with timely and quality care.”
Oyerogba further cautioned against harmful myths surrounding reproductive health, including beliefs that contraceptives cause permanent infertility or that pregnancy cannot occur during first sexual intercourse.
“Infections do not discriminate,” she said. “We must replace myths with science-based information. Education is empowerment.”
She urged stakeholders to use the awareness day as an opportunity to break stigma and ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of better sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
