Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram

Problem Statement

RKSK (Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram) was launched in 2014 in Meghalaya, 122 adolescent friendly clinics “The Friends corner” have been established till date. However these centres designated specially for adolescents in health facilities are under utilise mostly in CHCs and PHCs. Keeping in view the key objectives of Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram, i.e. to help adolescents realise their potentials and support them to make informed choices in their lives, the state decided on a month long Advocacy Campaign to mark the completion of 5 years of RKSK in Meghalaya which was held from 14th January to 14th February 2019.

Programme Description

The Advocacy campaign was officially launched at the State and District level on the 14th January 2019, The campaign themed “The future is here, ACT now” witnessed the participation of various stake holders from Government and Non Government Organisations. The District Administration headed by the District Collector, Social Welfare Department, Sports Departments, local Youth Clubs, RBSK teams, National Mental Health Program, National Oral Health Program, NPCDS together with the RKSK team are the driving force of this campaign.

Engaging with adolescents through Infotainment activities in the form of Sports and games like football, stone games, marathons, cycle rallies, are great crowd pullers. Side by side health screenings was conducted by Health teams. Gender friendly activities like dancing & singing competition, quiz & debate competition were also held. On the concluding day the 14th February 2019, State & District level Programme like musical evenings, Beauty Contest & talent show, Road shows and Rallies were carried out bearing the RKSK and Adolescent Health slogans. Prizes and awards were given to each participant during the campaign.

The campaign period coincided with the National Voters Day & Republic Day on on 25th & 26th January, respectively. RKSK gain popularity through these platform as well. RKSK Tableau was displayed during the Republic day parade. The subject on RKSK was mentioned by the Chief Minister Shri Conrad. Sangma in his speech, in West Garo Hills.

Programme Outcomes

• RKSK Programme (Peer educators, Adolescents Friendly Clinics, WIFS) have gained popularity amongst the masses, especially the adolescents. These events were highlighted in all regional and local media both print & electronic, and social media.
• Under this platform not only the adolescents but other Health Programmes like NOHP, NMHP, RBSK, NPCDS have benefitted.
• Behaviour Change Communication is inevitable during this month long campaign.

Scalability

1. The Block Level Campaign was held in 1st quarter of 2019-20 with a theme “Effects of tobacco use and drug misuse among adolescents”. 
2. The Tiffin box competition was held in the form of mega AHD (adolescent health days) during the Poshan Abhiyan (2nd Quarter) with a theme “Eat Well Feel Good”. The Objective is Anaemia prevention and promoting local healthy diet.

Both these activities were held in convergence with National Mental Health Program, National Oral Health Program, Police Department, Education Department, social welfare department and various faith based organisations. Implementation Partners JHPIEGO in 3 three district implementing AB-HWCS, namely Ri Bhoi District, West Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills.

Financial implications

Rs 1.5 lakhs at State level, Rs 1 lakhs at District & Block level, Rs 2500 per Village in PE Implementing villages.

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019