Turkmen media workers and youth discuss coverage of the adolescent reproductive health issues in the national media
Ashgabat, 26 April 2013 – UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund and Youth Organization of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly (YO) organized a 3-day workshop for the media workers on promoting the healthy lifestyle of youth, including adolescent reproductive health, in the national mass media. The event was held from 24 until 26 April at the Youth Center under the Youth Organization in Ashgabat. More than 20 media representatives from print, electronic media, radio and TV, as well as the youth volunteers and the national specialist on youth issues, participated at the workshop. Ms. Stela Serghiuta, UNFPA international consultant, was invited to conduct the workshop.
The workshop was organized within the framework of the recently announced UNFPA Media Competition on best coverage of the youth health issues, including adolescent reproductive health.
The purpose of the workshop was increasing the access of young people and adolescents to the healthy lifestyle and adolescent reproductive health issues through accurate media reports in the national media. During the event, the media representatives engaged in a dialogue with the youth volunteers of the Youth Center on the issues that really concern today’s youth, including their health.
“Young people are the future of the country, and must be invested with all our trust,” said Ms. Serghiuta. “Mass media plays a key role in increasing the knowledge of young people on their rights, on what options they have in life and where to go for advice. Journalists can convey to the youth and adolescents the accurate and complete information, regarding the issues of their concern, such as their future, relationships and their health, including reproductive health.”
More than 50% of the Turkmenistan’s population is under the age of 25, which means that today, young people are shaping both our future, and the present.
UNFPA is committed to giving these young people the chance to reach their fullest potential. When young people have access to information and health services, including reproductive health, education and decent working conditions, they are a powerful force for economic change.
Increasing young people’s access to information and health services, including reproductive health, education and employment will ensure better prospects for their own lives and for their countries’ socio-economic development.
Healthy and educated youth can fully contribute to the development of their countries and communities as leaders, parents and teachers of the next generations.
In Turkmenistan, UNFPA works to increase the access of youth and adolescents to the evidence-based youth-friendly information and consultative services in the area of reproductive health and HIV prevention.
***
UNFPA: Delivering the world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
For additional information, please contact:
Yelena Butova, Education Advisor
Ene Tuyliyeva, Advocacy Communication Associate
Tel: 425250
Web: turkmenistan.unfpa.org
