Adolescent Health and Wellbeing
Improving Convergence of Programs in Uttar Pradesh
Project Utthan is being implemented in partnership with the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh, to enhance adolescent health outcomes in the districts of Barabanki, Bareilly, and Sonbhadra. The project design addresses barriers to adolescent growth and well-being through the convergence of key government schemes, including the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), School Health and Wellness Program (SHWP), Rashtriya Bal SwasthyaKaryakram (RBSK), andTele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States(Tele-MANAS)
In these districts, Adolescent Health Counsellors (AHCs) are being capacitated on adolescent health concerns through co-creating innovations like “Mentors Online”, thedevelopment and dissemination of attractive communication collaterals like posters, leaflets, calendars and videos to build awareness and data gathering and analysis for evidence-based action. The Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) program is being streamlined, ensuring that all school going adolescents receive IFA tablets. Increased Anemia testingamongst adolescents is being catalysed in the districts and adequate follow-ups are being encouraged. Adolescents are educated on dietary diversity, adolescent health concerns, mental health, and substance abuse.
Innovative programs of the Government,like Kishor Swasthya Manch (KSM) and Adolescent Health Days(AHDs) actively engage adolescents and encourage participation through poster competitions, role plays, and nukkadnataks and anemia testing has been streamlined for effective anemia detection and management.
Project Utthan is also working to revitalise School Health and Wellness Program (SHWP), Health and Wellness Ambassadors (HWAs) have been trained and equipped with communication tools and job aids to address key health issues of adolescents effectively.
Mental health concerns among adolescents are being addressed by promoting the Tele-MANAS helpline number. As a pilot, trained mental health counsellors in Bareilly are bridging gaps in accessing mental health counselling, providing services through regular group sessions and one-on-one interactions.
Project Utthan leverages government health and education platforms at state, district, and block levels, to improve the health and well-being of adolescents, ensuring enhanced impact and sustainability for future generations.
Convergence at its heart:Â
Project Utthan’s essence lies in its unique approach, steering a harmonious convergence among various schemes such as Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), School Health and Wellness Program (SHWP), and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). This initiative advances state directives and fortifies innovations like model adolescent health clinics, Kishor Swasthya Manch (KSM), and vibrant adolescent clubs. Together, these elements will strengthen health interventions, each thread reinforcing the other.
At its core, Project Utthan aspires to:
• Increase knowledge on gender, SRH, nutrition, mental health, and ways of maintaining overall health and well-being.
• Improve compliance with Weekly Iron & Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) and deworming to contribute towards anemia reduction.
• Improve access to mental health services, contributing to a reduction in the incidence of mental health illnesses and suicides among adolescents.
Project Utthan envisions a future where adolescents are healthier, more informed, and empowered—making decisions that positively ripple throughout their lives.
A ready reckoner on Menstrual Hygiene Day: On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, a handout was developed in collaboration with NHM-UP as a ready reckoner, listing activities that can be undertaken on various platforms to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene. These activities include engaging adolescents through social media as well as organizing discussions with them at the community level to help normalize menstrual hygiene. This handout has been shared with all key government and non-government stakeholders working with adolescents across 75 districts.
