Staff Correspondent
SHILLONG: Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla launched the “Youth Health Festival 2020” under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram programme 2020 at Khliehriat West Community Hall, East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday.
The programme under the theme “Building a Platform to Nourish, Empower and Recognized the Potential of Our Young Adolescence for Our Future” was organized by the office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills.
The daylong programme started with an awareness programme to educate and sensitize the youths on mental health issues, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, food safety and food hygiene and ODF (Open Defecation Free) sustainability (Swacch Bharat).
Kyrmen Shylla in his address said that this adolescent health programme focuses on the issues relating to the health and well being of young people.
He informed the gathering that the Health and Family Welfare department has launched a health programme for adolescence aged between 10 to 19 years with the objective to improve nutrition, improve sexual and reproductive health, enhance mental health and create awareness on substance abuse among other issues.
He hoped that the 5-day youth health festival will enrich the minds of the participants and stakeholders on the benefits and importance of good health.
Earlier in the programme, the minister handed over mementos to the health officials of the district.
During the day, prizes and certificates were also distributed to the winners of the various competitions.