For a well-informed, healthier Filipino youth

MANILA, Philippines – Despite the all-out efforts to address the inequities in the well-being of the Filipino youth, health services and support have yet to make significant headway.

The youth, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as individuals aged 10-24 years, are deemed at risk for malnutrition, dental problems, sleeping difficulties, sanitation issues, and vices like smoking, drinking, and excessive gaming/gambling.

To better address the health concerns of the youth, MSD, the Philippine subsidiary of global healthcare company Merck, has partnered with IRH Philippines and the local government of Muntinlupa City to identify these health risk factors and together develop the appropriate solution.

The partnership will map out activities and programs that will increase the capacity of Muntinlupa communities to bring about change in promoting wellness services for the youth. Dubbed “Muntinlupa Youth Health Development Program,” the three-year project that initially targeted students from four public high schools and a public university in Muntinlupa City aims to build the capabilities of key stakeholders of the targeted schools as well as of the nine barangays of Muntinlupa and improve access to youth-friendly health services and information. It will have the Muntinlupa Youth Health Development Network as its first year’s chief target.

The network will be composed of local government officials, school administrators and teachers, barangay officials, parents associations, IRH, and MSD. They will lay out the foundation for key interventions to reduce knowledge gaps while increasing access to youth-friendly facilities.  The project aims to empower the youth and ultimately ensure that appropriate policies are in place to provide even the most vulnerable ones with the best quality health services. –(The Philippine Star)