Background
Early marriages, teenage pregnancies and low use of modern contraceptives are factors affecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of adolescents in Uttar Pradesh, India. Another pressing health challenge for girls and young women is anemia, affecting 49% of adolescent girls and 27% of boys in Uttar Pradesh. These health issues show that the need for youth friendly health services in this region is high.

About the project
This project was created to improve the services for young people in 6 adolescent friendly health service clinics (AFSH). By coaching counsellors, engaging with adolescents in neighbouring schools and bringing young people and counsellors together in organized group discussions, the project team aimed to understand the needs and expectations of adolescents visiting the clinics and improve the knowledge and counseling skills of the AFHS clinics counselors. They also sensitized government doctors in the district to increase their awareness of youth issues, including SRHR but also topics like anemia and substance abuse.

Results
After the project, there was a significant increase in the number of adolescents visiting the AFHS clinics. The most common reasons for them seeking help included sexually transmitted infections, reproductive tract infections, counselling on nutrition, substance abuse and to access de-worming tablets. The project team observed a positive change in the counsellors who received coaching during the project. They improved their knowledge of SRHR, sharpened their counselling skills and became more confident and open-minded in dialogue with the youth.

Year: 2014