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Youth Advocates Ghana tackles health misconceptions among adolescents

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Dorcas Darlington, a representative from Youth Advocates Ghana, has emphasized that widespread cultural and religious beliefs stigmatize menstruation, with many young boys perceiving it as dirty or unclean.

“Most young boys actually see menstruation as dirty and unclean.” This perception, she said, often leads to social exclusion for young girls during their menstrual periods, affecting their ability to participate in everyday activities such as cooking or interacting with peers, even in schools.

“I think this actually stems from the cultural and religious orientation of these young people. It has even been translated into the classroom, where boys do not see their female classmates as part of them when they are menstruating.”

Speaking during an interview on A1 Radio about the organization’s Youth For Health program, Madam Darlington noted that Youth Advocates Ghana is actively working to challenge these harmful beliefs through community engagement and advocacy. According to her, the organization conducts outreach programs and school activities aimed at educating young people on proper health practices, promoting understanding, and fostering a more inclusive environment for adolescents.

“We are trying to debunk some of these misconceptions, which is why, day in and day out, we are conducting advocacy outreach, community engagement, and school activities.”

The initiative also seeks to address the stigma faced by young people who ask questions about their health and are often misunderstood and labeled as exhibiting ‘bad behavior.’ To ensure these messages resonate, the organization collaborates closely with local stakeholders. In school settings, they partner with the Ghana Education Service, while in broader community outreach, they work alongside the Ghana Health Service.

“We work closely with local stakeholders. For any school activities, we always involve the Ghana Education Service. Outside the school, we collaborate with the Ghana Health Service.”

She added that they also engage with traditional leaders, recognizing the importance of cultural alignment in their efforts. Peer education plays a key role in their strategy, with 25 youth champions trained to share knowledge and break down barriers among their peers.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor| Bolgatanga

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