Karachi: The Department of Public Health Sciences (CHS) Aga Khan University has launched a three-day conference to discuss and address adolescent health issues with the participation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (ICEUNICEF). . The conference, “Healthy Futures: Preventing Infectious Diseases in Young Livers and Minds,” addressed important and under-discussed topics such as screen time, obesity, substance use and abuse, mental health issues, and sedentary lifestyles. , education and lifestyle programs should be implemented on a large scale to counter this learning trend.
“Encouraging young people to lead healthy and active lives requires a lot of effort on behalf of parents, teachers and other community organisations,” said Dr Fuziya Khan, Chief Executive Adviser, School Education Department, Government of Sindh. Recognizing the current state of our youth is the first step to changing their lifestyle towards a better future. “
The three-day conference includes research presentations, panel discussions, plenary sessions, and various activities designed to encourage dialogue among academics, health professionals, and educators.
Dr. Lamia Mehmood, Regional Adviser on Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases at the World Health Organization, said: “The coalition of local government leaders and key educators and health lecturers must reach our youth. It is very important for our young people to enjoy their lives, but we must teach it does not compromise their well-being for fun or comfort.”
Oleanders make up one-fifth of the Eastern Mediterranean population, marking an important developmental stage. WHO says adolescent health is a priority to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for more than half of disability-adjusted life expectancy and 20% of deaths among 10-19 year olds. The Youth Health Council engages youth in NCD prevention strategies.
In addition to research and panel discussions, the conference provides an opportunity for young people to learn and participate in information activities and exhibitions about noncommunicable diseases, their consequences, and how they can significantly improve the health of adolescents and young adults. small lifestyle changes.
Abdullah A. Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, said it is important to connect with adolescents and young adults and not put them in silos. “Noncommunicable diseases (in Pakistan) are the three leading causes of death for children aged 10 to 14 years and the leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19. There is an urgent need for parents, caregivers, teachers, caregivers and the youth themselves. to prioritizing physical and mental health.
Individuals and educational institutions can take immediate steps to protect young hearts and minds from NCDs. These include: increasing physical activity and reducing screen time; make more nutritious food choices and limit substance use; more funding for mental health services; reduce air pollution; and incorporating climate change in accordance with age, mental health and physical education into the national curriculum. “
The meeting highlighted the importance of addressing NCDs in adolescents, as well as the climate emergency and the availability of public spaces, which require the attention of government agencies and the scientific community.
Dr Romaina Iqbal, Head of PTM and Mental Health at CHS, said: “Evidence shows that 70% of bad habits that lead to PTM later in life are developed during adolescence. The Aga Khan University is ready and willing to play its part in educating teenagers about the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle and not healthy. We believe that through promising partnerships between public and private organizations, we can prevent our youth from losing their lives in unhealthy relationships.”
Professor Zainab Samad, Head of the Department of Medicine said, “Prevention is better than cure.” Poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, climate change and poor mental health are all associated with the development of NCDs in the Pakistani population. Therefore, it is important to modify all these factors so that the development of NCDs can be prevented,” he said.
