WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO!

Adolescence is a developmental transition between childhood and adulthood. It is the period from puberty until full adult status is reached/attained. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) defines the adolescent as a young person between the ages of 10 to 19 years. Adolescence is a long period of about a decade during which a lot of changes occur physically, psychologically and socially.

At this stage of life, adolescents need support and direction to shape their lives productively and health wise. Adolescents are an important segment of the population and play a vital role in the economy of society and country at large.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) developed the Adolescent Health and Development Programme, usually referred to as the ADHD programme in the health Sector to address the health needs of adolescents and young people in Ghana.

Vision

To have well-informed adolescents and young people adopting healthy lifestyles physically and psychologically and supported by a responsive health system and health related sectors.

Mission

To make available appropriate information and counselling services on young people’s health and provide comprehensive health services and other complementary programmes such as self-care, life and livelihood skills to adolescent and young people health.

Why is the GHS interested in the Adolescents?

The Adolescence period is a cross-road in life and a gateway to health promotion. Adolescents in Ghana suffer from a range of health problems often associated with particular behavioural patterns and risk-taking. They need health information and services, self-care skills, life skills, livelihood skills and leadership skills to develop. This information should be accurate to help them protect their health and to develop healthy behaviours. What they do and do not do can affect their health now and in the future. The health of all adolescents and young people in Ghana is our concern.

Our Primary Target (Clients)    

• Younger adolescents (10-14yrs)
• Older adolescents (15-19yrs)
• Young adults (20-24yrs)

Our Secondary Target (Stakeholders)

• Parents/guardians
• Teachers
• Health workers
• Policy makers
• Religious leaders
• Traditions rulers
• Media
• Civil society organizations
• Politicians
• Significant others