Bangladesh is one of the countries with the fastest-growing adolescent population.
Adolescence is one of the most rapid stages of human development. During this phase, adolescents undergo many physical and mental changes. It is crucial to help them understand these changes.
Dnet is conducting health camps for adolescents in selected schools, with technical support from Unicef.
The initiative is also supported by the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Ministry of Education (MoE), and sponsored by Unilever Bangladesh. Lifechord is a strategic partner for the camp.
The program included mental health sessions, an introduction to an adolescent health website, physical check-ups and vision screenings, and awareness sessions on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), nutrition, hygiene, and child marriage.
Dnet Senior Assistant Director (Research and Meal) Dr Sumaiya Tasneem Khan said: “We have completed a school health campaign. There are specific steps we follow to check students' physical and mental health. First, we check their BMI, and then we conduct mental health sessions. We introduce them to adolescent-friendly health services supported by the government, enabling them to seek help. Our aim is to assess their mental and physical health during this crucial stage of life. The lack of adequate health knowledge among urban adolescents is concerning. We are also offering an application specifically for adolescents.”
The campaign featured various sessions, with doctors and counselors available to assist the adolescents. There was a designated area for mental health sessions, where students received mental health checks.
Mental health session
There is a designated area for mental health sessions where students receive their mental health counselling and undergo mental health check-ups.
Regarding this, Dr Sumaiya Tasneem said: “Mental health is an essential part of our life. It is also important for these adolescents to take care of their mental health. We have already identified a girl from class six who has suicidal tendencies, which is very alarming. We have provided counselling to her and recommended additional counselling sessions.”
Introduction to Adolescent Health Website
This day-long health campaign introduced the "National Adolescent Health Website and Mobile Application," providing adolescents in Bangladesh with greater access to health education materials, guidelines, and services digitally.
It conducted basic physical examinations, including eye check-ups, and provided awareness on sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, child marriage, hygiene, and mental health among the students.
Physical health check-ups
In a classroom, students underwent physical health check-ups.
Arisha, a ninth-grade student, was waiting for her eye check-up. She said: “I have already had my BMI check-up. Now, I will have my eye check-up. I had no issues with my weight and height.”
Awareness session on SRH, nutrition, hygiene and child marriage
The students also received awareness sessions on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), nutrition, hygiene, and child marriage.
Zarin, another ninth-grade student, said: “I think it's important to keep our physical and mental health in check because adolescence is a crucial part of everyone's life.”
Dr Sumaiya Tasneem emphasized the role of the family in such initiatives: “We will involve parents in our next campaigns. As teachers and parents are the primary gatekeepers for children.”