Question : Adolescent Health Education

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has launched a nationwide programme with the youth working as peer educators to adolescents, and respond to their queries on key health issues, including mental and physical changes, nutrition and addition;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the peer educators will act as catalysts for generating demand for adolescent health services, and imparting age appropriate knowledge on key adolescent health issue to their peer group; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)
(a): Peer Education Programme is one of the interventions under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. The training material was recently launched by MoHFW.

(b): Under Peer Education Programme, Peer Educators are selected and trained on six thematic areas of RKSK namely- Nutrition, sexual reproductive health, substance misuse, non communicable diseases, mental health, accidents and violence.

(c): Yes.

(d): These selected and trained peer educators impart correct and age appropriate information among their respective peer groups regarding the various adolescent health issues. If needed they also refer adolescents to the nearby Adolescent Health Clinics (AFHCs) for further management.