LSU sensitises students on health and well-being

Morung Express News
Wokha | October 9

The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) organised an adolescent health and well-being sensitisation programme at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Chukitong, on October 9, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, personal safety, healthy relationships and breaking the stigma surrounding adolescence.

Held under the theme “Adolescence Without Stigma: Growing Up Informed - Gender-Inclusive Adolescent Health and Well-being Sensitisation Programme,” the programme featured resource persons from the District Medical and Mental Health Department (DMMHD), Wokha, and Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC), Wokha.

Addressing the students, EAC Wokha, Sangmou Khiamniungan, spoke on stigma and peer pressure, encouraging them to make informed decisions and openly discuss puberty and growing-up experiences with parents, siblings and other trusted individuals. He also urged students to treat people living with diseases, including HIV & AIDS, with dignity and compassion, stressing the need to eliminate discrimination.

Psychiatrist at DMMHD Wokha, Dr. Wothungo Jami, highlighted mental health awareness, emotional well-being, stress management and the importance of seeking professional help when necessary. He also explained the signs of good mental health and different forms of peer pressure.

Counsellor (Adolescent Health), B Nganom Buchem, spoke on personal boundaries, consent, mutual respect and healthy relationships, while Sakhi OSC Centre Administrator, Thungbeni Kikon, sensitised students on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, recognising inappropriate behaviour and seeking help from trusted adults.

Other sessions covered puberty, personal hygiene, menstrual health and teenage pregnancy prevention. General Surgeon at DMMHD Wokha, Dr Visazotuo Yano, spoke on puberty and boys’ health, while Junior Specialist (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Dr Benchumi Y Humtsoe, addressed menstrual hygiene and reproductive health awareness.

An interactive session provided students with an opportunity to raise questions on mental health, stress, peer pressure and personal challenges, with resource persons encouraging them to seek guidance from trusted individuals and professionals.

The programme began with a welcome address by LSU Women Coordinator, Lijano R. Ezung.