HEALTH
According to WHO, adolescents are those aged between 10 and 19 years. Adolescent health means well-being in terms of physical, social, mental, and spiritual aspects that enables them to live a healthy and harmonious life in a supportive environment, as preparation towards optimal health in adulthood. Reference: Ministry of Health Malaysia
The 5 main scopes of health services offered by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) are as follows: Nutritional health Mental health Sexual and reproductive health Risk-behaviour health Physical health Meanwhile, the types of health services provided include: Adolescent health promotion and education services Adolescent health screening services Adolescent treatment services Advisory/counseling services for adolescents Referral services Optional services (e.g., PROSTAR, Teen Clubs) School health services
The adolescent phase is an important transitional period from childhood to adulthood that forms the foundation for a person’s future health and well-being. During this period, adolescents experience rapid changes physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Parental support and guidance are very important to help adolescents adapt, make wise decisions, and build a healthy self-identity. Reference: Ministry of Health Malaysia
Adolescence is a sensitive developmental stage, where adolescents are more easily exposed to various risk factors that can affect their sexual and reproductive health. Issues that may be faced by adolescents include: Sexuality Sexual abuse Teenage pregnancy Pornography Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) HIV/AIDS Both male and female adolescents are exposed to the same risks. The role of parents is very important in providing emotional support, building open communication, and guiding adolescents so that they understand their rights in self-care.
The KafeTEEN Youth Centre is an initiative by LPPKN that provides a safe, youth-friendly and casual space for teenagers to access information and services related to reproductive and social health. Main services of KafeTEEN: Individual and group counselling (by trained counsellors) Reproductive and sexuality health education Talks and interactive activities Social skills, leadership and self-management training Career guidance and future planning Locations: There are 18 active KafeTEEN centres nationwide, including: Kuala Lumpur Johor Bahru Pulau Pinang Sarawak
The School Health Programme is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) covering students from preschool to secondary school. The following are health screenings for secondary school students: HPV immunization is offered to Form 1 female students to prevent cervical cancer caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 through the National HPV Immunization Programme. Starting in 2023, a single-dose HPV vaccination is given based on current health developments. A digital HPV vaccination certificate will be issued to each vaccinated student. Confirmation of color-vision deficiency will be carried out for Form 3 students. This is important to ensure students do not face difficulties in fields of study that require color sensitivity such as science, technology, visual arts, and engineering. Early confirmation enables students to make more accurate career planning and receive appropriate learning support or accommodations if needed. Thalassaemia screening for Form 4 students has been conducted since 2016. Main purpose: to detect thalassaemia gene carriers among adolescents early so they can make informed partner choices. This is to preserve offspring free from the serious condition of Thalassaemia Major.