Adolescent reproductive health forum held at Obuasi

A forum on adolescent reproductive health aimed at creating awareness on health issues and the risks involved in early sex, has been held for students from selected junior and senior secondary schools at Obuasi.

The forum, which was organised by Youth Care Africa (YOCAF), a Christian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Obuasi, aims at exposing the dangers of the HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in the district to students.

Mrs P. Lovia Owusu-Asiedu, Principal Nursing Officer at Saint Jude Hospital at Obuasi said health awareness among the youth must be stepped up to make them understand health issues and apply them to their lives.

"We have to make the youth aware of risks and dangers associated with no knowledge or lack of knowledge on health", she said.

Mrs Owusu-Asiedu noted that the adolescent period causes a lot of confusion at home but "if we understand the adolescent stages, it will be a joy for both parents and the adolescents to stay at home together".

The Principal Nursing Officer said it had become necessary to discuss sex issues publicly and advocated for sex education in schools and at home.

Mrs Owusu-Asiedu urged the students to control their sexual urge and stressed, "it is good that the Adansi West District Assembly has imposed curfew on those under 18 years from 8 pm."

In a speech read for him, Mr Joe Boampong, the District Chief Executive (DCE), said it was the responsibility of parents to prepare the youth to be responsible in sexual matters.

The DCE said family life education contributes to improving moral and social standards that empower the youth to control, influence and take responsibilities for sexual behaviours that affect their health.

Mr Thomas Frimpong, Project Manager of YOCAF, said health and sexual needs were some of the major challenges facing the youth in the district because "most young people find it difficult to approach their parents to discuss issues concerning their health and sex".