Adolescence (the period between 10-19 years) is a period of transition characterised by biological, psychological (including cognitive), and social changes. Biologically, adolescents are experiencing pubertal changes, changes in brain structure and sexual interest, as a start. Psychologically, adolescents’ cognitive capacities are maturing. The experiences can be confusing for them. Therefore, these changes, if not managed and accompanied by responsible behaviour, and within safe and conducive environments can lead to
risky sexual behaviour leading to teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV infections.
According to the Ghana Health Service's District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), most teenagers become sexually active by the age of 14.
In order to curb the situation, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), through its Adolescent Health and Development (ADHD) Programme, officially adopted the establishment of adolescent health clubs as one of its strategies to reach adolescents and youth with sexual and reproductive health information and services. However, other stakeholders including government, non-governmental, and civil society organisations also operate adolescent and youth clubs.
To standardise the establishment and operationalisation of these clubs in schools and communities nationally, GHS in partnership with Marie Stopes Ghana brought together the Ghana Education Service (GES), UNFPA, AfriYAN and other stakeholders to review and expand the current the current operational guidelines for in-school clubs and develop a holistic operational ‘Guide for Managing Adolescent Health Clubs.
The team further developed the structure and topics that would inform the development of the Training Manual for Peer Support Service Providers. The manual will train Peer Support Service providers. such as community health nurses, to provide quality information and responsive health services to adolescents and youth in Ghana.
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