The Ministry of Health in Guyana is making significant strides in improving adolescent health services through collaborative efforts with regional and international partners. These initiatives aim to address critical issues such as adolescent pregnancy, sexual and reproductive health, and overall well-being of young people in the country.
Comprehensive Approach to Adolescent Health
The Ministry has developed and implemented the Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Health Service Delivery Standards and Adolescent Health Services Delivery Guidelines. These documents have been integrated into the Government’s Family Health Manual, ensuring a standardized approach to adolescent health care across the country.
Targeted Interventions in Key Regions
Efforts have been concentrated in specific administrative regions, particularly Region 1 (Barima-Waini) and Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). These areas, which have reported lower contraceptive use and higher rates of adolescent pregnancy, are receiving focused attention to improve sexual and reproductive health services and education.
Capacity Building for Healthcare Providers
Recent training workshops in Region 9 have equipped healthcare workers with skills to provide adolescent sexual and reproductive health information, education, and services. The training covered topics such as adolescent development, sexual and reproductive health rights, and quality care standards.
School Health Club Initiative
In collaboration with PAHO/WHO, the Ministry’s Adolescent Health Unit has launched a School Health Club initiative in Region 9. This program trains students and teachers to establish health clubs in secondary schools, promoting health education and peer support among adolescents.
International Support and Funding
The India-UN Development Partnership Fund has provided crucial support for a project aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancy in Guyana. This initiative, which commemorated its second anniversary in 2023, focuses on improving access to quality sexual and reproductive health information and services in Regions 1 and 9.
Goals and Achievements
The Ministry aims to reduce adolescent pregnancy rates by 10% in targeted regions by the end of 2025. Recent reports indicate progress, with a 6% drop in adolescent pregnancies nationwide over the past decade.
As Guyana continues to address the challenges of adolescent health, these collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Health and international partners demonstrate a commitment to improving the well-being of the country’s young population.
