The Bono East Regional Health Directorate, in collaboration with the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council (BERCC) and with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has engaged 600 parents and community stakeholders in a series of sensitization sessions aimed at addressing misinformation, disinformation and pushbacks surrounding Reproductive Health Education (RHE) across three districts in the region.
The engagement brought together members of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), religious and traditional groups, mothers’ and fathers’ groups, and local authorities from Pru East, Sene East and Sene West to promote informed discussions on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and strengthen community support for interventions targeting young people.
The sessions, facilitated by the Bono East Regional Adolescent Focal Person of the Ghana Health Service, Robin Appiah, the UNFPA Focal Person at the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council, Julian Harrison Mutaah, and a Health Promotion Officer of the Ghana Health Service, Najas Ibrahim, were held in Yeji, Kajaji, Kojokrom, Bantama and Drobe.
Speaking during the engagements, Robin Appiah explained that Reproductive Health Education is designed to equip young people with the knowledge and life skills needed to make informed and responsible decisions.
“Reproductive Health Education is about equipping young people with the knowledge, values and life skills they need to make informed and responsible decisions. It is not about encouraging them to engage in sexual activity but about protecting their health, future and overall well-being” He stated.
He urged parents to take an active interest in the lives of their children, stressing that family guidance remains the strongest defence against risky behaviours.
“As parents, we cannot leave the upbringing of our children to social media or their peers. Open communication and guidance at home remain the most effective tools for preventing teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and other risky behaviours.” He noted .
Julian Harrison Mutaah, on her part noted that misconceptions and false information continue to undermine efforts to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health, making community engagement an essential component of the programme.
“Misinformation and disinformation continue to create unnecessary fear and resistance to Reproductive Health Education. Our goal is to provide evidence-based information that empowers parents to become active partners in safeguarding the health and rights of adolescents. She stated.
She further encouraged parents, traditional authorities and religious leaders to work together in creating supportive environments for young people stating that “When parents, traditional leaders, religious leaders and local authorities work together, we create an environment where young people can thrive, make informed choices and contribute positively to society”.
Najas Ibrahim, also highlighted emerging social challenges confronting adolescents, including phone addiction, gambling, substance abuse and mental health concerns.
He further encouraged stakeholders to build trusting relationships with their children by creating opportunities for open and honest conversations.
“We encourage parents to create a safe space where their children can ask questions without fear. Honest conversations build trust and help adolescents make healthier decisions.” He advised.
Participants were taken through discussions on healthy adolescent relationships, positive peer influence, negative socio-cultural practices affecting adolescent health, teenage pregnancy, phone addiction and gambling, substance abuse involving drugs and alcohol, parent-adolescent communication and problem-solving, the influence of social media and peer pressure, puberty and physical development, menstrual health and hygiene, as well as mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The facilitators clarified myths and misconceptions surrounding Reproductive Health Education and encouraged participants to rely on evidence-based information when discussing adolescent health issues within their homes and communities.
Some participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to better understand issues affecting adolescents.
A parent representative said the engagement had changed many long-held perceptions.
“Today’s engagement has corrected many misconceptions we had about Reproductive Health Education. We now understand that it is about protecting our children and preparing them to make responsible choices rather than promoting immoral behaviour.” She remarked.
A traditional leader also pledged support for the initiative, saying, “Our communities have a shared responsibility to guide the younger generation. We will continue to support initiatives that provide accurate information and help our children grow into responsible and productive adults.”
The engagement formed part of efforts by the Bono East Regional Health Directorate, the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council and UNFPA to improve stakeholders’ understanding of adolescent sexual and reproductive health, strengthen community support for adolescent-focused health interventions and promote effective parent-child communication to ensure healthier outcomes for adolescents across the region.
Source: Newspyramid.com
