Table of Contents
Adolescent Health Programs: Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
Introduction:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) on January 7th, 2014. This program targets adolescents aged 10-19 years, focusing on nutrition, reproductive health, and substance abuse. RKSK emphasizes adolescent participation, equity, gender equality, and partnerships with other sectors.
Purpose:
RKSK aims to help adolescents in India make informed health decisions and access the necessary services and support. It also guides states and districts in preparing adolescent health components for NHM plans and budgets.
National Adolescent Health Strategy:
In collaboration with UNFPA, the Ministry developed a strategy that shifts from a clinic-based approach to a holistic model addressing the full spectrum of adolescent health and development.
Objectives
- Improve Nutrition: Reduce malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia among adolescents.
- Enhance Sexual and Reproductive Health: Increase knowledge, reduce teenage pregnancies, and support adolescent parents.
- Enhance Mental Health: Address mental health concerns among adolescents.
- Prevent Injuries and Violence: Promote attitudes to prevent injuries, violence, and gender-based violence.
- Prevent Substance Misuse: Raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
- Address Non-communicable Diseases: Encourage healthy behaviors to prevent diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Target Groups:
The program focuses on adolescents aged 10-19, covering all genders, urban and rural areas, school-goers and dropouts, married and unmarried, and vulnerable groups.
Strategies:
- Community-based Interventions:
- Peer Education (PE)
- Quarterly Adolescent Health Days (AHD)
- Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS)
- Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS)
- Facility-based Interventions:
- Strengthening Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHC)
- Convergence:
- Within Health and Family Welfare: FP, MH, RBSK, NACP, and others.
- With Other Departments/Schemes: WCD, HRD, Youth Affairs, and Sports programs.
