ILOILO – Adolescents in this province now have a trusted partner in addressing their sensitive health issues such as teenage pregnancy, suicide, mental health, sexual abuse, and HIV infection, among others.
All 43 Rural Health Units (RHUs) here have been certified as adolescent-friendly health facilities (AFHF); this ensures that young individuals have access to essential health services.
The final certifications of RHU-Dumangas and RHU-New Lucena were recently confirmed by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Adolescent Health and Development Team.
According to Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, the provincial government recognizes the growing health concerns among adolescents and is committed to equipping health facilities with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide accessible, youth-friendly, and quality healthcare.
An AFHF is a health facility that ensures privacy and respect for adolescent patients while helping them make informed decisions about their health, she stressed.
Each RHU is required to designate specific areas and times for delivering services tailored to young people’s needs.
Additionally, the IPHO continues to conduct capacity-building activities for RHU health workers to ensure they have the skills needed to meet the demands of adolescent health.
Dr. Quiñon emphasized the importance of the existing collaboration between the IPHO and the Schools Division Office (SDO) – Iloilo Province to integrate the Adolescent Health Program into existing school initiatives.
The IPHO also assists in training nurses and teachers for the program’s effective implementation.
In light of the alarming rise in health challenges among adolescents, particularly after the resumption of face-to-face classes following the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Quiñon noted a troubling increase in issues such as teenage pregnancy, suicide, mental health struggles, sexual abuse, HIV, and earlier sexual debut.
“These challenges among our youth have become more concerning, especially since the return to in-person schooling,” said Dr. Quiñon.
The provincial government has identified these issues as key priorities for intervention this year. Dr. Quiñon believes that with timely, accurate information and appropriate services, these efforts will empower youth to make better decisions and improve their overall well-being./P teenage pregnancy, suicide, mental health issues, sexual abuse, and HIV infection, among others./PN
