CHIEFS and church leaders from various provinces last Thursday agree to actively support adolescent health programs for young people in communities.
They pledged to mobilise the programs during they discuss during an Adolescent Health Development conference organised last week.
A church leader, Pastor George Auna said during their discussion in a Health Development Conference held last week, they identified the importance of taking adolescent programs to young people to the community level.
“It is our duty and responsibility to talk openly to our young people about issues affecting them,” Mr Auna said.
He said problems related to the issue occur in communities due mainly to the inaccessibility of vital health information that can help young people.
He urged chiefs and church leaders to not shy away from the issue but openly advocate and accept awareness and educational such programs in communities.
Makira Ulawa Provincial health minister Mark Maesuriasi also added that church leaders and chiefs are in a pole position to take the programs to their youths.
“Openly educating young people in rural areas about this sensitive health issues can help young people to make healthy and sound decisions,” Mr Maesuriasi explained.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health national program coordinator adolescent Nancy Pego acknowledge United Nation Fund for Population Activities(UNFPA) for their ongoing commitment and investment by funding programs organised by ministry..
By JOY BUAOKA
