Two health facilities declared adolescent health institutions

By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, Dec 21: Badhyaiyataal Rural Municipality in Bardiya has taken a historic step to strengthening adolescent health services, guided by the slogan Healthy Adolescents, Prosperous Future.

With the support of Banke UNESCO Club and in the partnership with Plan International Nepal, two health facilities in the Rural Municipality have been hdeclared adolescent health institutions. As part of this initiative, the basic health centre at Tilkaana in the Ward Number 7 and the Kalika Health post in Ward Number 8, received the declaration.

Separate declaration programmes were held in the two wards under the chairpersonship of Ward Chairperson Radheshyam Tharu of ward number 7 and ward chairperson Tejnath Poudel of Ward Number 8.

Around 500 people participated in the programmes, including adolescents and youth, health workers, civil society representatives, students, headteachers, teachers, women community health volunteers, community facilitators, local government representatives and journalists.

Addressing the programme, Deputy Director of Banke UNESCO Club, Govind Prasad Lamichhane, presented about the support provided to the basic health centres for the implementation of adolescent, and youth-friendly programmes based on their plan ensure long-term sustainability.

At the closing session of the programme, Chairperson of Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality, Himalaya Tripathi said that collaboration with Plan International Nepal and Banke UNESCO Club had led to a meaningful achievement in adolescent health services.

Ward Chairpersons Radheshyam Tharu and Tejnath Poudel also said the initiative was a significant step taken for the overall wellbeing of adolescents in their wards.

The programmes were conducted by Hima Devi Khadka, President of the Youth Network. Project Officer Vijaya Sharma and Field Supervisor Ram Bahadur Tharu of Banke UNESCO Club supported the organisation of the events.