Campaign on adolescent health programme at Ri Bhoi, Khliehriat

SHILLONG/Nongpoh: As part of the day-long campaign on Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) Adolescent Health Programme, the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, Ri Bhoi District, on Friday, organised the District Youth Health Festival 2020.
The programme, focussed on the theme ‘Youth Health & Well Being Festival’, was held at the auditorium hall of Union Christian College, Umiam Khwan.
The programme was attended by students and teachers of the college, and the staff of the DM&HO and ICDS Department.
Founder & Managing Director of Avenues, Mark Laitflang Stone, was the chief guest while International Martial Arts Champion, Ferdinand Suchiang, was the guest of honour during the programme, which was held with an objective to generate awareness about various interventions that the programme is implementing.
The programme addressed six core priorities of adolescents, viz. reproductive and sexual health including HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, mental health, non-communicable diseases, gender equality/violence and injuries, and nutrition.
Open quiz competition on nutrition and beti bachao beti padhao, basketball and badminton competition, cycling and a talent show were also organised. The winners of the competitions were later awarded with prizes.
‘Youth Health Festival 2020’ at Khliehriat
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister, Kyrmen Shylla, launched the ‘Youth Health Festival 2020’ under the Rastriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) programme 2020 on Thursday at Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills (EJH) District.
The programme, which was organised by the office of the District Medical and Health Officer, EJH, commenced with an awareness programme to sensitise the youth on mental health issues, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, food safety and food hygiene and  ODF (Open-Defecation Free) Sustainability (Swacch Bharat).
Shylla, in his address, said that the programme focusses on the issues relating to the health and well-being of the young people.  He informed the gathering that the Health and Family Welfare Department has launched a health programme for adolescents, aged 10 to 19 years, with the objective to improve nutrition, improve sexual and reproductive health, enhance mental health, among others.
The minister hoped that the five-day youth health festival will enrich the minds of the participants and the stakeholders on the benefits and importance of good health.