Kiphire, July 25 (MExN): District Health Society, Kiphire organized street play on Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) as part of the second phase of District Level IEC/BCC Activities on Adolescent Health at Government High School, Phulunger on July 25.
The main theme of the street play was based on anaemia and its risk factors during the adolescent period, informed a press release.
Medonguno M. Chasie, District Media Officer (NHM) gave a brief note on the prevalence of anaemia and its effects on adolescents, especially females. She also sensitized them on adolescent health, spiritual and mental well being, physical and emotional changes the adolescents experience during this phase.
While talking about anaemia she said, “We Nagas are very apprehensive about going for medical check-up(s) unless in very serious cases and it is high time we do away with this practice. Anaemia is one very common disease prevalent at adolescent period and can even cause heart failure and death in extreme cases if ignored.” She also urged the parents and village elders to keep a keen observation on both physical and psychological state of the adolescents for “it is a very crucial phase for their formation.”
The play portrayed an adolescent who has anaemia and becomes weak day by day. She was often being scolded by her teachers and parents for not completing her daily chores assuming it was due to her laziness. Soon the ASHA of the concerned block comes for a visit to her house and suggested that she should be taken to the nearest health centre. Towards the end of the play, she was diagnosed with anaemia by the medical officer at the health centre and was given Iron Frolic Acid, which the government issues free of cost, and was cured of anaemia.
After the play, Kukeheto, District Programme Manager shared with the audience the message conveyed through the street play. The play was enacted by the students of class 7. The release noted that the same play was performed on July 12 at Amahator with Setsao, BEE and Litsala FWA as the resource persons.
