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Geneva, May 30, 2024 — India underscored its dedication to the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, emphasized the nation’s proactive measures during a side event hosted by India, focusing on these critical demographics.
Leading the Indian delegation, Chandra highlighted India’s steadfast commitment to implementing initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes for women, children, and adolescents. “India is committed to taking proactive actions for the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents,” Chandra declared.
In his address, Chandra elaborated on several key programs, including the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) – I and RCH – II initiatives, which have significantly impacted maternal and child health services across the country. He also mentioned the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, a flagship program dedicated to adolescent health, stressing its importance in shaping the health landscape for India’s youth.
A noteworthy highlight was the introduction of TeleManas, part of India’s national tele-mental health programme. This initiative aims to enhance mental health services, especially in remote and underserved areas, by leveraging telecommunication technologies. Chandra noted that mental health remains a critical component of overall wellbeing and that TeleManas represents a significant step in addressing mental health issues at a national scale.
Chandra also emphasized the importance of effective communication strategies tailored to adolescent audiences. He advocated for involving youth representatives in the planning and implementation stages of health programs to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. “Utilising the right communication strategies to convey to the adolescent audience group is essential. Involving youth group representatives in the planning and implementation of any programme ensures it meets their needs,” he said.
The event saw various speakers highlighting the importance of investing in adolescent health. Discussions centered on the multifaceted aspects of adolescent health, from physical and mental wellbeing to the socio-economic factors that influence their health outcomes.
India’s proactive stance and comprehensive strategies in addressing the health needs of women, children, and adolescents were well-received at the WHA, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to enhancing health standards and achieving global health goals.
