Youth health and development
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© 2006 UNICEF/Alena Svirid |
In the last two decades young people have enjoyed more freedom of choice. They also face more risks to their health and social well being and need to be well informed to protect themselves.
- 40% of adolescent males consume alcohol excessively
- 30% of adolescent females consume alcohol excessively
- Around 10% of adolescents have used drugs
- 32.8 per 100,000 adolescent males commit suicide
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© 2006 Sibir SPID Pomosch Tomsk/Yana Sutormina |
Russia's health care system is not fully geared towards addressing the risks young people are facing today. A range of studies show that adolescents are increasingly using tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs, contributing to health problems and earlier death.
Youth Friendly Health Services
Youth friendly health services (YFHS) provide a range of health services, psychological counselling and social support to young people in a manner and setting appropriate to their age. YFHS are welcoming, confidential and affordable for young people. Today, there are more than 60 YFHS centres in 20 territories that provide counselling and practical help to young people on issues of reproductive health, including testing and treatment of STIs, family planning counselling and HIV/AIDS prevention messages. A
small investment by UNICEF can help a government-run hospital provide these services for hundreds of people.
Life Skills
Young people need information and skills to lead a healthy lifestyle. UNICEF has worked with primary and secondary schools to inform children and help them reach their full potential as adults. Bt early 2007, UNICEF had helped create 20 Youth information centres in 13 regions. Healthy lifestyles and life skills are promoted through the youth media and peer educators.
HIV/AIDS
Russia stands on the brink of a nationwide HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the majority of those infected are under the age of 30. The virus is now spreading among the general population. Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases are widespread, even among medical professionals.
