Unlocking the potential of health corners for a healthier future
Unlocking the potential of health corners for a healthier future The Daily Star
sdgtalks
Adolescent-Friendly Health Corners in Bangladesh
Recalling Fotik from the Chuti short story vividly brings to light the turbulent nature of adolescence, a phase where understanding is scarce, and a sense of belonging seems elusive. Engaging in discussions about sensitive topics such as sexual reproductive health, pregnancy, drug abuse, and eve teasing during this period can be a daunting task. Adolescents often find it challenging to trust adults with their experiences, and likewise, adults may feel uncomfortable broaching these subjects. Consequently, these crucial conversations often occur among peers, resulting in misguided decisions and potential pitfalls.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Solution
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh has offered a commendable solution to address the challenges faced by the adolescent population. By establishing adolescent-friendly health corners in upazila health complexes across different districts, the ministry has created dedicated spaces exclusively for adolescents. These corners, staffed by Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officers (SACMOs), are adorned with informative materials, including books and posters. Here, adolescents, both boys, and girls, can comfortably spend time reading, engaging in discussions, and seeking guidance from SACMOs on various issues such as menstruation, early marriage, pregnancy, contraceptives, family planning, RTI/STI prevention, gender-based violence, puberty, and substance abuse. The initiative ensures privacy and proper guidance for adolescents during this critical stage of life.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Increasing Awareness for Maximum Impact
Despite the effectiveness of these adolescent-friendly health corners, a significant challenge remains—the lack of awareness among the target audience. To fully realize the potential of this initiative, it requires increased publicity. In a country where 36 million adolescents make up one-fifth of the total population, guiding this substantial demographic is crucial for building a healthier nation in the future. Creating awareness, establishing safe spaces for discussions, and informing adolescents about their rights regarding sexual reproductive health, early marriages, and other sensitive topics will not only educate them but also empower them to become confident individuals ready to navigate the complexities of adulthood.
Semonty Jahan is a research associate at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University.
Views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect those of any organization, institution or entity with which he is associated.
Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article addresses issues related to adolescent health, education, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
The article highlights the importance of providing sexual and reproductive health information and education, promoting sustainable development through education, ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights, and promoting social inclusion.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
- Establishment of adolescent-friendly health corners in upazila health complexes
- Availability of informative materials such as books and posters in the health corners
- Increased awareness among adolescents about sexual reproductive health, early marriage, pregnancy, contraceptives, family planning, RTI/STI prevention, gender-based violence, puberty, and substance abuse
- Increased participation of adolescents in discussions and seeking guidance from Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officers (SACMOs)
- Increased awareness among the target audience about the existence and benefits of adolescent-friendly health corners
These indicators can be used to measure the progress of the initiative in achieving the targets related to adolescent health, education, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs. | – Establishment of adolescent-friendly health corners in upazila health complexes – Availability of informative materials in the health corners |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. | – Increased awareness among adolescents about sexual reproductive health, early marriage, pregnancy, contraceptives, family planning, RTI/STI prevention, gender-based violence, puberty, and substance abuse – Increased participation of adolescents in discussions and seeking guidance from SACMOs |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. | – Increased awareness among adolescents about sexual reproductive health, early marriage, pregnancy, contraceptives, family planning, RTI/STI prevention, gender-based violence, puberty, and substance abuse – Increased participation of adolescents in discussions and seeking guidance from SACMOs |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Increased awareness among the target audience about the existence and benefits of adolescent-friendly health corners – Increased participation of adolescents in discussions and seeking guidance from SACMOs |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: thedailystar.net
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
