Empowering Adolescents: DGFP’s Health Drive Ignites Change at Udayan School
To address the unique health challenges faced by adolescents in Bangladesh, a comprehensive health campaign was recently held at Udyan School, marking a significant step in the country’s commitment to prioritizing adolescent health.
The initiative, supported by the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Ministry of Education (MoE), received crucial sponsorship from Unilever Bangladesh, with strategic partnership provided by Lifechord.
The campaign, orchestrated by Dnet with technical support from Unicef, unfolded as a day-long event encompassing various aspects of adolescent health. Among the key components were mental health sessions, an introduction to the “National Adolescent Health Website and Mobile Application,” physical health check-ups, and insightful awareness sessions covering Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), nutrition, hygiene, and the concerning issue of child marriage.
Dr. Sumaiya Tasneem Khan, Senior Assistant Director (Research and Meal) at Dnet, shed light on the significance of the initiative, stating, “Our aim is to assess their mental and physical health during this crucial stage of life. The lack of adequate health knowledge among urban adolescents is concerning. We are also offering an application specifically for adolescents.” Dr. Sumaiya emphasized the importance of mental health in adolescents’ lives, revealing that the campaign had already identified a sixth-grade student with suicidal tendencies. Prompt counseling was provided, and additional sessions recommended.
A pivotal aspect of the campaign was the introduction of the “National Adolescent Health Website and Mobile Application,” providing adolescents with increased accessibility to health education materials, guidelines, and services in the digital realm. The initiative aligns with the evolving landscape of technology, offering a platform tailored to the needs of the adolescent demographic.
Physical health check-ups, including eye examinations, were conducted within classrooms, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the students’ well-being. Arisha, a ninth-grade student, highlighted the importance of such check-ups, stating, “I think it’s important to keep our physical and mental health in check because adolescence is a crucial part of everyone’s life.”
The campaign also addressed the broader societal aspects affecting adolescents, with dedicated awareness sessions on SRH, nutrition, hygiene, and child marriage. Zarin, another ninth-grade student, acknowledged the holistic approach, emphasizing the need to safeguard both physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Sumaiya Tasneem emphasized the role of family in future initiatives, stating, “We will involve parents in our next campaigns. As teachers and parents are the primary gatekeepers for children.” This holistic approach to adolescent health, encompassing physical, mental, and societal dimensions, signifies a concerted effort to foster a healthier and more informed generation in Bangladesh.
Source: The Dhaka Tribune
Source Contributor: Famiha Suhrawardy
Picture Credit: United News of Bangladesh