Awareness on adolescent girls’ health held in Wokha

WOKHA — The Wokha district administration, in collaboration with the departments of Social Welfare, Health and Family Welfare and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), organised an awareness programme on adolescent girls’ health at Tiyi hall in Wokha town on Saturday.

Delivering the keynote address, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Wokha, Vineet Kumar, emphasised the importance of adolescent girls’ education and its societal impact. He encouraged the girl students to focus on education to enhance critical thinking skills and social values in order to become responsible individuals.

Dr. Niya Kath, the resource person and dermatologist at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital Wokha, spoke on the causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy and highlighted the importance of parental involvement and communication to prevent it.

The district welfare officer of Wokha, James Ezung, highlighted the societal impacts of teenage pregnancy and emphasised the necessity of comprehensive education to raise awareness among adolescents about their rights. He also encouraged open discussions within families, religious institutions and communities to destigmatise seeking help.

The advisor of Lotha Eloe Hoho, Mhonchumi Humtsoe, urged the girl students to avoid peer pressure and body shaming, noting that many adolescents face mental health issues, anemia and obesity. She also spoke on the importance of education, contraceptives and family stability to prevent teenage pregnancy.

The programme was chaired by freelance journalist, Grace Kikon, and an invocation prayer was said by assistant pastor, Y Chumbenthung.