National Youth Day: Platform for teenage health launched

The Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital each Wednesday will devote special time to adolescent health problems.

Henceforth, youths in the country, particularly young girls will have a place where they can seek medical advice on health issues related to their stage in life as well as learn how to handle other health-society problems, thanks to the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. In line with activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Day, authorities of the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital has opened an adolescent clinic for all young people in the country.

The Deputy Director General of the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Dr Charles Nsom Mba said the hospital preferred to launch the teenage health platform dubbed

“Adolescents Clinic” because they want to emphasise on the care the hospital is giving to youth health problems. It is a special occasion which gives adolescents especially those        aged between 10 and 19 years to come to the hospital and discuss problems related to their health.

Dr Charles Nsom said given that youths at times find it difficult to talk about their health problems, the Adolescents Clinic platform is a unique moment that takes place every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and which gives youngsters from all walks of life, the opportunity to have frank talks with health workers.

The platform which started last year was officially opened to all youths during their week as a way to encourage them not to stay behind but come out with those problems that are a burden to them. Throughout the year, hospital personnel will interact with youths on several topics such as HIV/AIDs, family planning, vaccination, how to avoid and handle early pregnancy, how to take care of a baby and also rape matters.

Through sketches, youths expressed knowledge on how to properly wash their hands, clean their mouth and other hygiene related aspects concerning their body. The Divisional Officer of Yaounde V, Mamadi Mahamat, said it is an important thing to support youths in activities that concern their health so that while in good health, they will continue to behave like the exemplary youths the Head of State wants for Cameroon.