Research on Adolescent Reproductive Health in Six High Schools in Kailali

Abstract

Introduction: Introduction: The Center for Integrated Community Development (CICD) is a non-profit organization which is working in the field of Human Resources Development and Reproductive Health Programs in Kailali/Kanchanpur and other districts in the Far Western development Region of Nepal. CICD trains Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) and Laboratory Assistant Students in an intensive clinical and community based program, and operates a Reproductive Health center on campus. As defined by the World Health Organization, Reproductive Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity in the areas of reproductive health. Reproductive Health therefore implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they havethe capability to reproduce and have the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. Implicit in this last condition are the rights of women and men to be informed of, and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning as their choice, Additionally, women have the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable them to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth, thus providing couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant. It is recognized that Reproductive Health is a crucial part of overall health and is central to human development. It affects everybody; it involvesintimate and highly valued aspects of life. Not only is it a reflection of health in infancy, childhood and adolescence, it also sets the stage for health beyond the Reproductive years for both women and men and has pronounced effects from one generation to another. (UN). CICD recognizes that choices regarding health and reproductive health begin in early adolescence, and that trainings and proper education and information is essential for this large portion of Nepal's population to empower them to make the right and safest choices for their own lives and future family as well.