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An
ambitious collaboration in Panama
between APLAFA (a reproductive health
NGO), the Ministry of Health, nine high
schools and UNFPA has changed the lives
of many adolescents in five marginal semiurban
neighbourhoods. Through a
combination of education, information and
health service initiatives, participants have
been empowered to change their thinking
about their current lives and future aspirations.
“The project taught me about the
importance of not getting pregnant during
adolescence,” says Mónica, 18. “APLAFA
provided information and counselling,
which also taught me about dealing with
peer pressure, the importance of having
good self-esteem, and proper use of contraceptive
methods.”
As part of the four-year effort, the
Ministry of Health created five youthfriendly
clinics. Staff were trained in
providing sexual and reproductive health
services to adolescents. The resources
built by the project guarantee project sustainability
and institutionalization.
Pavel became involved with the project
at age 14. Five years later, he says, “It
changed the way I see life. It taught that
my dreams were valuable, that I had the
right and the duty to make them real.”
Pavel now attends the University of
Panama and is an active member of
Panama’s Network for Adolescent Sexual
and Reproductive Health.
The extensive project coverage was
possible due to the creation of an
Intersectoral and Community Adolescent
Network formed by more than 15 private,
NGO, and government institutions, which
has reached more than 46,000 adolescents
and youth in the district of David. See Sources
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