The Rural Health Unit of Kalawit organized two important advocacy programs “Oral Health Program” held at Batayan Elementary School, Batayan, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte and “Adolescent Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program” held at Gatas National High School, Gatas, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte last August 19, 2024.
The Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” G. Jalosjos are the HEATS in which health is one of her priority program in collaboration with Kalawit Rural Health Unit led by Dr. Earl Ryan Espra – Municipal Health Officer. He conveyed that the goal is to raise health awareness and provide care for those suffering from untreated dental diseases.
Additionally, he mentioned that they aimed to strengthen the safety net for oral health and address suicide risk factors while promoting resilience and long-term recovery. The programs is made engaging and interesting especially the topic “Adolescent Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Program” as the lecturers Mrs. Fe Martalla of the Provincial Health HEPO Coordinator discussed about adolescence stage as a unique and formative time.
The physical, emotional and social change includes exposure to abuse, poverty, or violence that can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Further, she added that protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socio-emotional learning, psychological well-being and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well bring during adolescence and adulthood.
Meanwhile, Mrs Elena R. Daarol – Provincial Family Planning/ Adolescent Coordinator also shared insightful remarks as she lectured about Teenage Pregnancy and raising girl’s awareness of their sexual and reproductive health and rights, protecting them from abuse and connecting them with education and health services.
Mrs. Violy Flor M. Pujanes – Municipality of Kalawit District Nurse delivers a message of inspiration and highlights importance of raising awareness on teenage pregnancy where it can help young people become responsible and discerning young people.
(Source: Ginalin G. Ma – PIC)