ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW

1. ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW Dr. NasimZahid Shah, Dr. TazeenSaeed Ali, Muhammad Ashar Malik, Dr. AijazKhowaja RESULTS The results of the secondary data revealed Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) as an area not addressed in the current guidelines. It was further complemented by the results obtain from the primary data; categorical analysis of the face to face interviews revealed the following key ideas on Knowledge, Significance, Current services and suggestions about ARH. OBJECTIVE The intent of this research paper was to assess the current reproductive health care guidelines of a community based organization. INTRODUCTION Globally young people aged between 10 to 24 years are having the biggest share of the population (1.75 billion) since they are no longer children but not yet adults; therefore have specific health and developmental needs. Two thirds of premature deaths and one third of disease burden in the adults are associated with conditions or behaviors that began in youth. Risk of dying from pregnancy related cause is much more high for adolescents than older women. There is a need for each health institutions to provide health services to capture their needs. CONCLUSION: This study based on primary and secondary data concluded that this institution needs to strengthen health services for the provision of health for adolescents. They must be thought of and treated as a diverse division of population with specific developmental needs. Launching programmatic interventions will help to disseminate reliable and timely information to the adolescent, parents, teachers and health care providers. It will help fostering a new generation of productive adults who can help their communities' progress. • RECOMMENDATIONS • Guidelines for ARH • Need for a multi sectorial approach • IEC material • Master training of staff • Involvement of parents/teachers. • Phase wise Implementation METHODOLOGY Secondary data: Collected through literature review, desk review of documents including reproductive health guidelines (in light with the Standard reproductive health components available in the International Conferences on Population & Development plan of action (ICPD-PoA) Cairo census 1994), annual/activity reports and information education and communication (IEC) material. Primary data: Face to face interviews, discussion with key informants, observatory visits to the health facilities and by participation in reproductive health workshops and activities held in various health facilities. • REFERENCES • International Conference on Population & Development. Cairo: United Nation; 1995. • UNFPA. [Cited]; Available from: http://www.unfpa.org/issues/. • ShaheedF. Pakistan Ten year into Beijing plate form for action. • Sally Golding SH. Maternal & Newborn Health: The policy context in Pakistan: Research & Advocacy Fund; 2010. • Opportunities for new born survival in Pakistan: Save the Children; 2009. • 10 facts on adolescent Health. September 2008 [updated September 2008; cited 2012]; Available from: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/adolescent_health/en/index.html. • S.Wallace. WHO Fact File. 10 facts on Adolescent health 2012 [updated 2012; cited 2012]; Available from: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/adolescent_health/facts/en/index.html.