GoB includes Young People in its Development Agenda
The Directorate General of Family Planning organised the ‘Dissemination of National Plan of Action for Adolescent Health Strategy and National Conference on Adolescent Health’ on January 12 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).
Adolescents from different districts of Bangladesh participated in the event. They spoke about their experiences while growing up and the challenges that they had to face. One adolescent girl from Feni shared how she dealt with her family when she first got her periods. Her family tried to bar her from participating in sports during her menses, but she did not listen. “I ran in the race on Sports Day during my periods,” she proudly announced. She also stopped 17 child marriages from taking place in her surroundings.
Stalls from different organisations showcased interactive games, quizzes and activities where the adolescents enjoyed themselves and gained knowledge which they can apply in their day to day life.
The ‘National Plan of Action for Adolescent Health Strategy was disseminated at the event. The strategy was developed to be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This strategy will contribute to the overall well being and health of all adolescents in Bangladesh. It covers the areas of adolescent SRHR, violence against adolescents, adolescent nutrition and adolescent mental health. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of this strategy.
National Strategy for Adolescent Health 2017-2030
His Excellency Mr Harry Verweij, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was one of the Guests of Honour. He emphasized that access to quality health services and awareness about SRHR will ensure opportunities for young Bangladeshis to develop their full potential.
Veera Mendonca, Deputy Representative, UNICEF; Dr Asa Torkelsson, Representative, UNFPA; Dr. Bardan Jung Rana, Representative, WHO; were Guests of Honour.
Mr Zahid Maleque, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was the Chief Guest at the event. The special guests were- Prof. Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director General, Directorate General of Health Services; Mr Md. Ali Noor, Secretary, Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Mr Md. Ashadul Islam, Secretary, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Co Organisers of the event were MCH- Services Unit of DGFP, DGHS, and Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, UNFPA, WHO and UNICEF.
