National Strategy for Adolescent Health 2017-2030
Bangladesh has an adolescent population of approximately 36 million: more than one-fifth of the total population of Bangladesh is those between the ages of 10 and 19 years (BBS, 2015). This large cohort presents significant potential for the social and economic development of the country if we make the necessary investments to make them healthy and productive. It has been evidenced that investments in adolescent health can bring a triple dividends of immediate benefits, benefits into future adult life and benefits for the next generation of children (Patton et al., 2016). A strong strategy, which identifies key areas for investment, is essential if the overall health and wellbeing of adolescents is to be realized. This National Adolescent Health Strategy 2017-2030 was developed to address the overall health needs of adolescents by taking a broad and holistic understanding of the concept of health. It also fills a gap where adolescent health issues were not addressed comprehensively in other policy documents.
The National Adolescent Health Strategy 2017-2030 has been developed using a participatory process, with active participation and contributions from key stakeholder groups. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and immediate guidance of the Directorate General of Family Planning, a core committee and several technical committees were established to provide expert input and ensure a comprehensive strategy document. The strategy development process included reviewing of existing national and international literature to assess current trends in adolescent health, conducting five divisional consultations with local level stakeholders, conducting four focus group discussions with adolescents, conducting meetings of the core committee and technical committees and organizing a two-day national workshop. The final draft of the strategy document was presented to the Inter-Ministerial Committee and finalized subsequent to incorporating their comments.
The National Adolescent Health Strategy 2017-2030 has identified four priority thematic areas of intervention: adolescent sexual and reproductive health, violence against adolescents, adolescent nutrition and mental health of adolescents. In addition social and behavioural change communication and health systems strengthening are included as cross cutting issues, which need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the strategy. The management of the National Adolescent Health Strategy will require an effective management and coordination structure, which has been detailed in the final section of this strategy document. This document highlights the importance of all relevant actors in the development sector – both Government and Non- Government – working in collaboration with each other if the goal and vision of this strategy is to be realized during the given time period.
The National Adolescent Health Strategy 2017-2030 has been developed for a period of 14 years – from 2017 to 2030 – to be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Strategy envisions that by 2030, all adolescents in Bangladesh will be able to enjoy a healthy life and has the goal of all adolescents attaining a healthy and productive life in a socially secure and supportive environment. This strategy is guided by human rights principles and clearly states that all adolescents, irrespective of their gender, age, class, caste, ethnicity, religion, disability, civil status, sexual orientation, geographic divide or HIV status, have the right to attain the highest standard of health. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of this strategy, which will contribute to the overall wellbeing and health of all adolescent boys and girls of Bangladesh.
Download: National-Strategy-for-Adolescent-Health-2017-2030-Final-Full-Book-21-06-17
