NIGERIA NATIONAL STANDARDS AND MINIMUM SERVICE PACKAGE FOR ADOLESCENT AND YOUTH FRIENDLY HEALTH SERVICES 2018
Act · Health
Policy date: 2018-01-01
Standards establish the minimum package of health services and quality criteria for adolescent and youth friendly health services in Nigeria. They target health facilities, young people aged 10-24, and organizations providing these services. This ensures consistent quality across the country.
NIGERIA NATIONAL STANDARDS AND MINIMUM SERVICE PACKAGE FOR ADOLESCENT AND YOUTH FRIENDLY HEALTH SERVICES 2018
What Is This Policy?
Standards defining the minimum package of health services and quality criteria that all Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Services (AYFHS) in Nigeria must provide, ensuring consistent quality across all service delivery points.
Who Does It Target?
Health facilities designated as AYFHS delivery points Young people aged 10-24 accessing AYFHS NPHCDA and state health departments NGOs providing youth-friendly health services
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Standardise the quality and content of health services for adolescents and young people across Nigeria through clear minimum service standards and quality criteria.
Key Features
Minimum Service Package: Defines the specific services (sexual health, mental health, nutrition, HIV) every AYFHS must provide. Quality Standards: Sets standards for how services are delivered including privacy, confidentiality, and non-judgmental care. Provider Requirements: Prescribes training and attitude requirements for AYFHS health providers. Facility Standards: Sets minimum standards for AYFHS facility design including youth-friendly waiting areas.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — implemented at designated AYFHS facilities Coverage: All designated AYFHS facilities nationwide Beneficiaries: Adolescents and young people Funding: Federal Ministry of Health; UNFPA; WHO
How to Access
Young people: identify nearest AYFHS-designated facility through state health authorities Health facilities: request AYFHS designation and technical support from state health ministries NGOs: align youth health services with the national standards Application method: Access at https://www.health.gov.ng
Important Terms
AYFHS designation requires meeting minimum facility, staff, and service standards Annual quality assessments of designated AYFHS are required Young people's satisfaction with services is a key quality indicator
Official Resources
Website: https://www.health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health — Adolescent Health Division
Legal Framework
The Nigeria National Standards and Minimum Service Package operates under the National Health Act 2014, the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Act. It aligns with the WHO Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) standards, the SDG 3.8 target on Universal Health Coverage, the Nigeria Basic Health Care Provision Fund guidelines, and the Sphere Standards on humanitarian health services.