First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has rooted for mainstreaming of adolescent health in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes.
The First Lady said the health needs of young people must be at the core of UHC programmes for the interventions to be successful.
Speaking during the event dubbed ‘Adolescent health, Margaret said, the Missing population in Universal Health Coverage’ held on the sidelines of the ongoing 72nd World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The First Lady informed the meeting that adolescents and young people form a key part of her work in the #BeyondZero initiative. She said the initiative is building better synergies and integrating the voices of young people in advocacy and education dialogue. pic.twitter.com/QawNsfC0ym
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) May 21, 2019
The First Lady expressed concern that available statistics showed higher rates of violence and injuries, addiction, depression and mental health issues among adolescents and the youth in general, which she said is an indication that their health needs require more attention.
Margaret Kenyatta also defended her beyond zero initiative.
“Beyond Zero is promoting peer-to-peer learning programmes to develop a cohort of role models and trailblazers”she said.
She proposed the use of technology, social networks and peer-to-peer connections to encourage young people to prioritise uptake of health services.