Bangladesh launches meet to sensitise adolescents on sexual, reproductive health

The government is focusing on creating awareness among adolescents about their sexual and reproductive health aspects, the health secretary has said.

Syed Monjurul Islam says the aim is to address the critical psychological and physical changes they undergo during this age.

The secretary opened a three-day national conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The embassies of Sweden and the Netherlands, and the UN agencies, UNFPA and UNICEF, are co-organising the conference with the support of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

It is also a knowledge-sharing festival that has brought together policy makers, researchers, public health leaders and other stakeholders across Bangladesh.

Organisers say the aim is to discuss high priority SRHR issues in Bangladesh, present findings of ongoing initiatives, and propose recommendations.

It is also to achieve Universal Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The conference also targets creating a national platform of different stakeholders for the advocacy of the SHRH issue.

UNFPA Country Representative Argentina Metavel stressed on more investments in health and education of the young population to reap demographic benefits.