“The prime innovations regarding adolescent health has been in the field of information, communication, behavioral change, adolescent friendly health services at the Primary Health Care level and school based interventions needs attention and support of various stakeholders. MPVHA believes that empowering of adolescents can improve many poor health indicators”.
Adolescent Health
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
Context
The Ministry of Health and Welfare, Government of India launched a health programme, the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), for adolescents, in the age group of 10 – 19 years which targeted their nutrition, reproductive health and substance abuse, among other issues. RKSK was launched in January 2014. The key principles of this programme were Adolescent Participation and Leadership, Equity and Inclusion, Gender Equity and strategic partnership with other sectors and stakeholders. The objectives of the programme were:
- Improve Nutrition
- Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Enhance Mental Health
- Prevent Injuries and Violence
- Prevent Substance Misuse
MPVHA Efforts
Madhya Pradesh Voluntary Health Association (MPVHA) in collaboration with Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh through its District Health Society, Panna did intervention in terms of organizing training of trainers, training for frontline workers and peer educators based on training modules during 2017-2019. Panna being one of the toughest and poor indicator district was intervened and supported by above activities with availability of counsellors in all 5 blocks and two CHCs.
Major Outcomes
- Availability of trained Counsellors and formation of informal groups of adolescents in Panna district, resulted into the increase in accessibility of health services by the adolescents.