DHDC Joins Sports Bridge, Daniel Amokachi Foundation to Bring Mental Health and SRHR Services Closer to Youth/Young Girls

Sports Bridge Foundation, Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), and the Daniel Amokachi Eduplus Foundation have called for increased awareness of mental health, HIV, tuberculosis, personal hygiene, and sexual and reproductive health among young girls.

The organisations made the call at the Sports Bridge Booth Camp held on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with the theme, 'Sports and Mental Health'.

The programme brought together young athletes, particularly female volleyball players, to promote physical well-being, emotional resilience, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.

It also featured sessions on menstrual hygiene, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), HIV prevention, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Speaking during the programme, Dr. Timothy Ikeh, a medical doctor, advised the girls to pay attention to changes in their menstrual and reproductive health cycles.

Dr. Omale Idoko, a member of the DHDC outreach team, added that abstinence remains the most effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections at this age, while encouraging the young girls to seek professional medical attention when they notice unusual symptoms.

The participants were also educated on the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene and obtaining accurate information about menstruation and reproductive health.

Nndaya Dikiyai, chief executive officer of Sports Bridge Foundation, said the organisation was committed to raising awareness about gender-based violence and mental health among young people.

Dikiyai called on the federal government and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for girls who are victims of sexual abuse and other forms of violence to recover and reach their full potential.

She said adequate support systems, education, and opportunities were necessary to protect vulnerable young people and help them overcome social challenges.

Mrs. Deborah Ikeh, Executive Director of DHDC, said there was a need to sustain advocacy around the topics discussed, especially sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Ikeh said that DHDC was raising awareness about STIs, menstruation, HIV, cancer, and tuberculosis, including how young people can identify warning signs and access appropriate care.

"We want young people to have the right information about their body, their boundaries, speak up when they are pressured, and know when and where to seek professional help when they have health concerns."

Mrs. Deborah Ikeh, Executive Director, DHDC

In a separate session, facilitators from the Daniel Amokachi Eduplus Foundation engaged the athletes in an interactive discussion on mental health under the theme 'Real People, Real Talk'.

The session focused on emotional well-being, mental health challenges, and the importance of open conversations and seeking support when necessary.

The engagement followed the foundation's participation in the United Nations flagship initiative, 'One World, One Game, One Goal: Football for Youth Mental Health', organised by the UN Youth Office in July 17 2026.

The organisers said the programme underscored the importance of using sports as a platform to promote disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, mental well-being, confidence, and resilience among young people.