Kathmandu: Health Ministry of the Bagmati Province Government is set to operate the ‘Adolescent Digital Park’ as a pilot project in the current fiscal year. The initiative aims to promote safe sexual and reproductive behavior among adolescents, according to Health Minister Kiran Thapa Magar.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the digital park concept was introduced to address the increasing issues of unsafe sex, unsafe abortion, and sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents. Minister Magar emphasized the need for education on safe sex and reproductive health, and highlighted that the project will be implemented in coordination with local levels.
The park will feature podcasts on various topics such as sexual and physical development changes during adolescence, menstruation and hygiene, child marriage, rape, safe reproductive health, effects of smoking and alcohol, and sexual abuse awareness. These podcasts will be accessible through digital boards in the park where teenagers gather.
Secretary at the Ministry, Dr. Sumitra Gautam, stated that this is the first program of its kind in the country, providing counseling and messages regarding the physical and mental development of adolescents. The Ministry has allocated Rs 2.5 million for the program, and Director at the Bagmati Province Health Directorate, Dr. Narendra Jha, noted that the program will be executed in collaboration with local levels.