According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data from 2015, adolescents represent more than one-fifth of Bangladesh's total population. These young individuals, especially girls, are undergoing significant biological, physical, psychological, and mental transitions.
As their cognitive capacities and critical thinking mature psychologically and mentally, it becomes vital to address both their physical and mental health needs. This significant adolescent population presents a demographic window of opportunity. They can offer a wealth of possibilities if they are well nurtured and educated.
To address these needs, Dnet, with the technical backing of Unicef Bangladesh, held a day-long health camp at Civil Aviation School and College on Saturday.
The initiative was also supported by the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Ministry of Education (MoE).
The chief guest on the occasion, Mahbub Alam Talukder, additional secretary, member (Admin) of CAAB, and president of Civil Aviation School and College, expressed his delight that Dnet has chosen Civil Aviation School and College for this health camp.
He also requested that Dnet hold this program again in the future.
Dr Md Monjur Hossain, program manager (A and RH) of DGFP, said: "To ensure proper nutrition, improve the reproductive and mental health of adolescents, and to raise their awareness of violence prevention, school health camps can have a profound impact. There is also a need for people to step forward from their respective places to ensure adolescents' health."
In recent years, the government has taken steps to address adolescent healthcare. It has been observed that urban adolescents receive comparatively less intervention in terms of knowledge dissemination.
To support the government's initiatives, Dnet and Unicef have decided to organize comprehensive health camps for urban school adolescents.
The purpose of this health campaign was to conduct basic physical examinations, including eye check-ups by medical doctors, and to provide awareness on sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, child marriage, hygiene, and mental health among the students of classes six to ten studying in the mentioned school.
The campaign was divided into various sessions, such as physical health, physical health check-ups, mental health check-ups, etc.
The aim was to assess the mental and physical health of students through sessions.
Besides being examined by the doctors, students were also taught about reproductive health, child marriage, and other related topics.
Tasnuva Rahman, a Dnet-affiliated doctor, noted: "Many students are underweight and show a diminished interest in food. Some, particularly those entering puberty, are also grappling with menstrual health challenges.”
Nabila, one of the students, said: “I have learned many things today, such as reproductive health and the adverse effects of child marriage. Now, I am going to get a physical check-up from the doctor. I think this is a great opportunity for me to learn about my health.”
Oishorjjo, another student, remarked: “I have some eye problems, but otherwise, I am totally fine.”
Adolescence is a unique and evolving phase. Physical, emotional, and social changes, compounded by experiences of abuse or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 14% of adolescents (aged 10-19 years) experience mental health conditions, which often remain largely unrecognized and untreated.
Factors like stress, anger, or other emotional upheavals can contribute to these issues. Many adolescents are reluctant to discuss their feelings.
Recognizing that their sentiments are vital as they are going through a pivotal transition in their lives, the camp included sessions dedicated to mental health.
Students were engaged with questionnaires to help experts assess their mental well-being and were informed about local service centres where they could seek assistance.
Additionally, a website named “National Adolescent Health” was introduced to the students during this campaign, serving as a useful resource for adolescents seeking help.
Dr. Sabrina Rafi, health officer at Unicef, said: “One-fifth of our population consists of adolescents therefore it is vital to consider their physical and mental well-being.”
“Addressing the physical and mental health of adolescents offers three key benefits. Firstly, they will be healthy now. Secondly, they will maintain their health into adulthood. Thirdly, they can raise a healthy future generation,” she added.
Most students experienced various degrees of mental health challenges. The majority mentioned feeling a mental breakdown or nervousness before their examinations, with some admitting occasional reluctance to study.
M Shahadat Hossain, co-founder and executive director of Dnet, remarked: “We have been operational since 2001. This is our first campaign on adolescent health. We plan to launch more campaigns across every division.”
“There is a growing need for public-private partnerships to support these initiatives, reducing the dependency on donations. The private sector must step up its involvement in such campaigns,” he added.
Campaigns and research are crucial in addressing many developmental issues. Adolescents represent a significant segment of our society, making campaigns focused on their well-being essential. Such initiatives pave the way for a healthier and more informed populace in Bangladesh.