Dissemination seminar on adolescent health facility assessment study held in BSMMU
A seminar was held on Sunday, 5th June, 2016 at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) to share findings of assessment of facilities for adolescent health services. It was jointly ventured by Department of Public Health Informatics (DPHI) of BSMMU and UNICEF Bangladesh. The study was conducted in the selected health centers of Bhola, Nilphamari, Jamalpur, Khulna district and in City Corporations of Dhaka and Khulna.
Prof. Dr. Kamrul Hasan Khan, Vice Chancellor of BSMMU was the Chief Guest. Prof. Shahidullah Shikder, Pro-VC, Research Development, BSMMU; Dr. Mohammed Sharif, Director MCH Services and Line Director (MCARH), Director General of Family Planning; Mr. Stefano Savi, Deputy Representative, UNICEF, Bangladesh and Mr. Christian Tardif, Director, Global Affairs Canada, Bangladesh were present as special guest. Participants from Dhaka City Corporation, Dhaka University, PSTC, USAID, ICDDRB, Ipas and BUHS attended the
seminar.
Prof. Syed Shariful Islam, Dean, Faculty of Preventive and Social Medicine, BSMMU and Dr. Lianne Kuppens, Chief of Health Section, UNICEF Bangladesh facilitated the seminar. Dr. Riad Mahmud of UNICEF shared the current activities of UNICEF program for adolescents while Dr. Fariha Haseen, BSMMU has presented the study results. Among the main findings were half of the facilities to be ready to provide the services to the adolescents. Citizen Charter is present in all facilities. Most of the corners have provision of safe drinking water but limited provision of separate toilet facilities.
There were few promotional materials at adolescent corners. Majority of service providers received training on adolescent friendly health services. The adolescents expect friendly behavior and careful management from service providers. The seminar recommended the special emphasis on special needs of adolescents and on regular supervision and monitoring of the program.
