Programs to improve Adolescent health and services, 2005-to present
The ICAH provided support to development of the National Concept paper of Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS), in cooperation with UNICEF and For Family and Health NGO (approved by the Ministry of Health in 2005). There were initiated the series of activities, including sensitization of policy-makers, health and education professionals, public on adolescent health issues; adaptation of WHO Orientation Program on Adolescent Health and trainings of the medical staff; development of the draft standards of adolescent friendly services; analysis of legislation and organization of the parliament hearings; development of educational materials for medical staff and young people/public.
In 2010 ICAH implemented reviewing of services under guidance of the international expert. The results of interviews and focus group discussions in 4 focal points were reflected in the “Strengthening Health Services for School-age Children and Adolescents in Armenia” report, which outlines perspectives and recommendations.
YOUTH FRIENDLY SERVICES IN COLLEGES OF ARMAVIR AND KOTAYK REGIONS Project, implemented in collaboration with Jinishyan Memorial Foundation and Child Health Care Association in 2006, was realized to promote healthy lifestyle and prevent sexual and reproductive health problems among the students of colleges of Armavir and Kotayk regions.
IMPROVEMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AWARENESS OF ADOLESCENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Project was conducted in 2013 in collaboration with UNFPA. The project was targeted to raise awareness on reproductive health knowledge, change attitude and practices of adolescents with disabilities/ chronic diseases, teachers, practices of school nurses and other caregivers, thus improve reproductive and overall health status of the most vulnerable Armenian adolescents in the pilot community of Yerevan. Trainings for the parents and pupils of selected 2 inclusive schools were conducted; teaching module and educational leaflets were developed and distributed. Seminars on healthy lifestyle, sexual and reproductive health for adolescent with special needs in Recreation inclusive summer camp “Aparan” were organized jointly with Y-Peer national network.
Project on IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PILOT ADOLESCENT FRIENDLY INTEGRATED HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN ARMENIAN REGIONS was implemented in 2012-2014 in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Social Affairs and under support of UNICEF. Intersectoral coordination and regulatory framework in health, educational, social, and non-governmental sectors were elaborated and implemented in 2 pilot sites in Yerevan and 1 – in Armavir region. The project was aimed to fill the gaps and stimulate promotion of healthy development and wellbeing, lifestyle of schoolchildren and adolescents, respond to the health concerns of teens. In the frames of the project job descriptions of school nurse, adolescent doctor, school psychologist and social worker/ pedagogue were specified; seminars were held for involved school staff, parental and students councils; clinical cases were identified and discussed within the teams. Local health personnel collaborated with YFHS of ARABKIR MC and referred adolescents for specialized consultation.
www.teenslive.am - FIRST ARMENIAN INFORMATION PORTAL FOR ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE
In 2017 ICAH is collaboration with UNESCO IITE in the frames of technical assistance of UNAIDS, developed the first Armenian information portal for adolescents and young people – www.teenslive.am. It includes a number of thematic articles on health, communication, relations, love, safety and recommendations for teens and young people. The content of the web site as well as the relevant social group covers useful news, resources and hot line numbers; also it is possible to address an anonymous question to the specialists of ICAH.
ICAH is actively involved in HEALTHY LIFESTYLE promotion activities, held seminars and trainings for schoolchildren, parents, health staff and teachers, develop and distribute information materials.
In 2015-2016 the manual for school teachers on Healthy lifestyle (HLS) was revised and updated. Updated teacher's manuals for 8-9 grades and for 10-11 grades were approved by the MES and published in 2018 under support of UNESCO.
In 2018-2019 under support of UNESCO, in collaboration with National Institute of Education, large-scale trainings of school teachers on Healthy Lifestyle were conducted in Yerevan and 3 marzes. In 2019 monitoring visits to schools in Yerevan were conducted; findings and recommendations have been presented during Round table with participation of school principals, relevant authorities. The following targeted trainings on methodology have been provided to HLS teachers of Yerevan. Also trainings for school nurses on HLS have been conducted.
Specialists of ICAH participate in development of state educational standards, teaching plans and teachers' manuals on HLS.
In 2019 under support of UNESCO and UNAIDS within online information campaign three short videos on HIV/AIDS were created for teens and young people /film 1, film 2, film 3/.
In 2018 in the frames of NCD Child initiative and the advocacy project held by Armenian Pediatric Association, Healthy lifestyle promotion and Non-communicable diseases prevention campaign has been initiated to sensitize pediatricians, school staff and adolescents in the target schools.
Considering the fact that common NCDs mainly contribute to high morbidity and mortality of population in Armenia and HLS promotion among schoolchildren and teens help to prevent NCDs in adulthood, a number of public events were held in schools and target communities.
In 2021 under support of UNFPA ''Developing comprehensive integration models of adolescent friendly health care in primary healthcare facilities in Armenia'' program was realized. Within the frames of it a comprehensive assessment of the situation was done, the models of YFHS have been suggested and discussed with the relevant stakeholders at the round table held in 2022.