WHO South-East Asia Adopts Adolescent Health Declaration
The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia region has adopted a Ministerial Declaration focused on adolescent-responsive health systems. This initiative aims to create policies and services that cater to the unique needs of adolescents, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Empowering Adolescents
Saima Wazed, the Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, emphasized the importance of empowering adolescents by providing high-quality, inclusive health services. These services should be accessible without financial barriers and include mental health support and disability services.
Commitment to Health Systems
The Declaration, signed by Health Ministers and WHO leaders, highlights the need for adolescent-responsive health systems as a strategy to strengthen primary health care and achieve universal health coverage. Member States agreed to mobilize resources for effective adolescent health programs, including school health initiatives and digital technology use.
Involving Society
The Declaration encourages the participation of adolescents, families, and communities in promoting adolescent health. It also calls for the inclusion of adolescent-specific indicators in health monitoring systems to improve policy and program effectiveness.
Adolescent Health Challenges
The WHO South-East Asia region, home to 360 million adolescents, faces challenges such as mental health issues, non-communicable diseases, and malnutrition. Nearly 2 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth annually in the region.
Investment in Health
Saima Wazed highlighted the economic benefits of investing in adolescent health, stating that every dollar spent yields up to ten times the return. She stressed the importance of investing in the health of women, girls, and vulnerable populations for a sustainable future.
Doubts Revealed
Saima Wazed -: Saima Wazed is a mental health expert and the daughter of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. She is known for her work in promoting mental health awareness and has been involved in various health initiatives.
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a special agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
South-East Asia -: South-East Asia is a region in Asia that includes countries like India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia. It is known for its diverse cultures and large population.
Adolescent Health Declaration -: The Adolescent Health Declaration is a formal statement by health ministers to improve health services for young people aged 10-19. It aims to make health systems more responsive to the needs of adolescents.
Mental health support -: Mental health support refers to services and resources that help people with their emotional and psychological well-being. It includes counseling, therapy, and support groups.
Resource mobilization -: Resource mobilization means gathering financial and other resources needed to implement health programs. It involves getting funds and support from governments, organizations, and communities.
Economic returns -: Economic returns refer to the financial benefits gained from investing in something. In this context, it means that investing in adolescent health can lead to a healthier population, which can boost the economy.