COVID-19 pandemic — Challenges and opportunities for adolescent health

Wednesday, 23 September 2020, 13:00 hrs(1ST)

Background

It is noticed from evolving epidemiological trends of the COVID-19 pandemic that the children and adolescents have been much less affected by this novel infection globally, with only 1-8% cases being reported in this age group. The clinical outcomes are also better among this age group compared to older age groups.

However, serious repercussions have been observed on the health and well-being of adolescents because of the indirect effects of the pandemic. Because of the disease outbreak, restriction of mobility, closure of schools, lack of social gatherings and physical distancing, etc. the adolescents are experiencing a new wave of insecurity, stress, anxiety, and disruption of daily lives. These are leading to serious short-term and long-term consequences on the health and wellbeing of adolescents including their sexual and reproductive health. At the same time, due to additional demand on the health system by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are considerable challenges for countries to maintain the provision of high-quality health services including for the adolescents. During lockdown conditions and in the containment zones the movements are seriously restricted and the economic status of families is adversely affected. Such additional barriers further worsen access to services for adolescents for their variety of health needs.

The sixth webinar in this series “COVID-19 pandemic – Challenges and opportunities for adolescent health” was scheduled on Wednesday, 23 September 2020 at 13:00 hrs (IST). The two critical domains were selected that deserve greater attention during the pandemic: Needs of adolescents for contraception and domestic violence among adolescents. The programme manager for adolescent health in India will share the plans to continue the essential services for adolescent health during the pandemic, that could mitigate the risks mentioned above.

Objective

The objective of the webinar was to discuss the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents including contraception and domestic violence among the adolescents during the pandemic and management and preventive strategies during COVID-19.  The plans to continue adolescent health services including repurposing of programme activities under the National Adolescent Health Programme in India were also shared.

Presentations

1. Meeting the needs of adolescent contraception during the pandemic
2. Domestic violence among adolescents - Prevention and Management
3. Repurposing activities of the national adolescent health programme

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