DOH-Ilocos staff together with the municipal hospital chiefs of Pangasinan during the coordination meeting for he roll-out of the KADA Network held in Lingayen, Pangasinan on February 22, 2024
AFTER piloting the Key Assistance for Developing Adolescents (KADA) Network in five (5) hospitals of selected local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan namely – Western Pangasinan District Hospital, Dasol Community Hospital, Bayambang District Hospital, Bolinao Community Hospital and at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region will roll-out the project in the remaining nine (9) public hospitals in the province.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said the KADA centers will be established in public hospitals and shall address social barriers of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) through a network that will expand the existing adolescent friendly health facilities. “This program will also reorient ASRH services to include a holistic community-based team ready to serve adolescents.”
“Adolescents are faced with various legal and social barriers that makes them vulnerable to various forms of sexual and reproductive health risks like STI or HIV infection, early sexual initiation and unwanted pregnancy.”
“Others are, physical, sexual or emotional abuse by people known to and trusted by them, at marami ang ganitong kaso kasama na dito ang lumalaking bilang ng suicide cases sa Pangasinan, that is why we have to provide them access to reliable information, good guidance and support from trusted adults through strengthened and tailored community support.”
“Kailangan nating mabigyan ng tamang gabay ang ating mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng mabuting paggabay ng mga community frontliners upang sila ay maging mabuting ehemplo sa kanilang komunidad”, Sydiongco emphasized.
In Pangasinan, there is an alarming increase in cases of teenage pregnancy with 15 and HIV infections with 215 recorded last year.
These concerns can be addressed through the KADA centers where an adolescent can visit and get proper intervention on the various challenges facing adolescents today. Community workers who will manage the centers are committed to supporting and empowering them by providing adolescent-friendly services including health and educational services on sexual and reproductive health, mental health violence and injury prevention; safety and protection, employment and social services
The DOH regional office through its Health Promotion Unit (HPU) shall provide financial and technical support in the organization of KADA network in the Region.
Sydiongco also added that the KADA network will also be established in the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and La Union.
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