Georgetown : The Ministry of Health through the Adolescent Department, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), recently hosted an interactive session and adolescent fair at the Sophia Health Centre, allowing youths to have access to youth friendly services in health education.
The fair which is one of many to be held in several other communities featured exhibits to educate both youths and their parents through photos, posters, brochures, magazines and artifacts.
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, speaking to the adolescents, pointed out that youth friendly services should not be only confined to health centres, but that there should be further development for more health activities being carried out in the area for the benefits of the youths.
Minister Ramsaran highlighted that many forums are being held at the national level, to promote responsible adulthood and reduce teenage pregnancy, and explained that education is one of the most important measures in reducing the latter. Guyana has also been known as one of the top Caribbean countries in protecting teenage girls against diseases such as cervical cancer with the aid of vaccination.
The Health Minister pointed out that adolescents are change agents, and Government will continue to make available more health clubs for their benefit. The Ministry will also be pushing the ‘Wellness Warriors’ health club across the nation, preparing youths to assist persons to test their blood pressure and sugar levels.
UNFPA’s Assistant Representative on Sub Regional Office for the Caribbean in Guyana Patrice La Fleur congratulated the Ministry of Health for re-establishing the adolescent unit at the Ministry. She added that such activities as the fair will benefit the entire family on the way forward and the quality of life.
Educators at the fair cleared up misconceptions raised by youths at the fair and answered other questions based on health issues.
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