
Iloilo, Philippines, May 29, 2018 -- Concerns on romantic relationships, HIV and AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), and relationship with peers are the major issues that affect the young people in Western Visayas.
These were based on data generated by the Department of Health (DOH)-6 through its initiative dubbed as AH (Adolescent Health) Connect.
In the Regional Health Promotions Network Meeting held recently, DOH-6 Health Education and Promotions Officer (HEPO)-I Marya Zecilia Lopez said majority of the calls and messages they have received through the AH Connect platform focused on issues regarding romantic love, HIV and AIDS and peer relationships as encountered by young people in the region.
"Majority of the clients were females and belonged to the age group 15 to 19 years old," she said.
She said that the other issues besetting the region’s youth included early sexual activity, parent-child relationship, puberty, mental health, teenage pregnancy, school-related issues, among others.
AH Connect is an innovative grassroots call center and social networking that was designed around the interests and needs of young people in Western Visayas.
Lopez said that this platform aims to provide education, counseling and advocacy activities where young people can develop mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually in an adolescent way.
"The vision of AH Connect is to connect young people to health facilities and increase the utilization of health services," she said.
AH Connect can be accessed 24/7 through 0998-5324047 (Smart), 0917-7759256 (Globe), 0925-5469919 (Sun) and 1-800-10-320-TEEN as a toll-free helpline. The program is also available on Facebook.
Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: https://thedailyguardian.net
Published: Wednesday, May 30, 2018
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