India Hosts Side Event on Women, Children, and Adolescent Health at 77th World Health Assembly

Geneva: During the ongoing 77th World Health Assembly, India hosted a significant side event focused on Women, Children, and Adolescent Health. The event, held in collaboration with Norway, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (PMNCH), aimed to share emerging evidence and discoveries while fostering dialogue on crucial investment opportunities in maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and well-being.

The event sought to advocate for continued and increased investment in these areas, encouraging policy adjustments and emphasizing the needs of diverse population groups. The discussions centered on adolescent health, with various speakers highlighting the necessity of greater investment in this critical issue.

Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary and head of the Indian delegation, underscored the progress India has made in this domain and outlined the initiatives undertaken. He emphasized India’s commitment to proactive actions for the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents. Chandra highlighted India’s Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) initiatives, including RCH-I and RCH-II, and the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, which focuses on adolescent health. Additionally, he mentioned the rollout of TeleManas as a key initiative by India.

“India has made significant strides in addressing the health needs of women, children, and adolescents,” Chandra stated. “Our commitment is reflected in the successful implementation of initiatives such as RCH and the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. The introduction of TeleManas is another step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility for adolescents.”

The event also stressed the importance of utilizing effective communication strategies to reach the adolescent audience. The involvement of youth group representatives was discussed as a crucial factor in the planning and implementation of any health program.

“Engaging young people directly in the conversation is essential,” Chandra added. “Their perspectives and involvement are vital for the success of health programs aimed at adolescents.”

The side event served as a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and explore ways to enhance investment in maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. It reinforced the collaborative efforts needed to address these critical health issues and the importance of prioritizing the needs of all population groups.