Empowering Teens on Health and Identity

Teenagers in Bartica got a powerful health boost at a two-day symposium where ministers and UN agencies teamed up to tackle puberty, peer pressure, and period stigma head-on. Minister Sonia Parag urged students to own their bodies, resist vaping and alcohol, and take advantage of a free HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. She also championed a new national menstrual hygiene program — funded by the government — to end period-related school absences, especially for girls in remote areas. A bold message: boys must join the conversation to end stigma. The event ended with a powerful walk and a pledge signed by students to empower themselves and each other — proving that health starts with courage, curiosity, and community. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d16456cd45123100