YPSA Held Stakeholders’ Meeting in Cox’s Bazar : Need for Adolescent-friendly SRHR Services Is Becoming Crucial

Ensuring adolescents have access to accurate information, youth-friendly healthcare and the space to participate in decisions that affect their lives emerged as key priorities at the third annual stakeholder meeting of the Youth Share-Net project in Cox’s Bazar.

Organised by YPSA at the Cox’s Bazar District Family Planning Office, with support from Red Orange Limited and AmplifyChange, the meeting brought together government officials, development actors, youth organisations, civil society representatives and adolescents to review the project’s progress and discuss ways to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services for young people.

The meeting also featured a presentation on preliminary findings from a survey conducted under the project. Participants discussed adolescents’ health needs, access to reliable information and services, and the importance of stronger coordination among stakeholders working on youth development and SRHR.

Speaking at the event, Cox’s Bazar District Family Planning Office Deputy Director Biplab Barua stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure adolescents can access safe and appropriate services.

Other participants included Medical Officers (MCH-FP) Dr Rajib Pal of Ukhiya, Dr M. Imtiaz Chowdhury of Ramu, Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam of Teknaf and Dr Sadik Allam Asif of Cox’s Bazar Sadar, along with Chakaria Upazila Family Planning Officer Tapas Dutta and Assistant Family Planning Officer Ataus Salman.

Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Youth Development Officer Ashish Chandra Pal attended as a special guest.

A notable part of the meeting was the participation of adolescents themselves. They shared their experiences and concerns and put forward recommendations on improving access to youth-friendly healthcare, reliable information and their rights.

Speakers said that government agencies, NGOs, youth groups, human rights organisations and civil society need to work together to make services more accessible and responsive to adolescents. They also emphasised that meaningful youth participation and leadership can help create lasting social change.

The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange experiences and reflect on the project’s achievements while identifying ways to make future activities more inclusive and effective.

The event concluded with remarks from YPSA Programme Officer Shyamshree Das.