Kiphire, February 29 (MExN): Under the second phase of district level IEC/BCC activities on Adolescent Health, District Health Society Kiphire organised street play on ARSH and an awareness health talk at BYE, Sangtam Baptist Church and Loyala Higher Secondary School on February 28 and 29. The purpose of the programme was to create awareness among adolescents on various issues regarding adolescent health.
Health talk was given by Dr. Holiba (MO) who spoke on early marriage, biological changes in adolescents, drug abuse, HIV-AIDS & STI, teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions and its complications. “Adolescents carry more risks than adults because they are yet to mature physically, emotionally and mentally. Due to this adolescent girls are not ready for motherhood,” he added.
He also brought forward some of the consequences of early marriage and teenage pregnancy such as pregnancy induced hypertension, anaemia, low birth weight and inadequate childcare. He said that most of the time, the results stem out from an individual being misinformed. Therefore, being equipped with correct information must be given utmost importance. Dr. Holiba also stated the services available at ARSH friendly clinics and requested that they avail it.
Imnasenla Pongener, District Media Officer (NHM) gave a brief note on adolescent health and highlighted the risk factors during the phase. She said, “It is a transition phase from childhood to adulthood where individuals become curious, seek answers and are faced with a lot of peer group pressure. During this stage, adolescents are likely to experiment and indulge in smoking, drinking and substance abuse which lead to an unhealthy lifestyle causing health problems such as reproductive health problem, teenage, abortion, violence and sexual abuse, mental illness, etc.”
The street play was performed by members of District Adolescent Club, and was based on drug abuse and early marriage. The play was enacted with an aim to inculcate healthy-positive attitude and generate awareness among their peers on the dangers of leading an unhealthy lifestyle.
