Lao PDR hosts the 9th Adolescent Research Day Forum under the theme:
"Digital pathways in relation to gender inequality and sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents
23 October 2024, Vientiane, Lao PDR – The Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (Lao TPHI), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) convened the ninth Annual Adolescent Research Day (ARD) in Vientiane Capital, focusing on "Digital Pathways in Relation to Gender Inequality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Adolescents."
This event highlighted recent research findings on adolescent health and development, with a particular emphasis on the necessity of timely analysis to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls. Established in 2016 under the Noi Ecosystem Approach, the annual ARD has become a vital platform for researchers, policymakers, and development partners to exchange insights and promote evidence-based advocacy, policies, and interventions for adolescents aged 10-19.
H.E. Dr. Phaivanh Keopaseuth, Deputy Minister of Health, shared a message with the national and international researchers, emphasizing the importance of data and research in understanding adolescent needs. In his message he stated:
Lao PDR is committed to the principles outlined in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). To realize these commitments, we must highlight the challenges adolescents and youth face and consistently evaluate our progress. This ensures that our policies and programs are driven by evidence, enabling us to promote adolescent development and enhance investments in human capital. Research is essential for accelerating the implementation of national priorities across health, education, employment, empowerment, and rights, ultimately advancing the ICPD25 goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
In this year’s forum, we tackled adolescent health through a digital lens, focusing on sexual and reproductive rights, mental health, nutrition, and protection from harmful practices. Discussions highlighted how digital tools can enhance health literacy and responses to climate change, paving the way for empowered youth.
The forum also aimed to deepen understanding of the current landscape of adolescent health, focusing on critical issues such as adolescent pregnancy, child, early and forced marriages, contraceptive use, mental health support, nutrition, and gender inequalities. Attendees explored existing data and research related to adolescent health literacy, identifying gaps for future research on these pressing topics. Presentations and discussions throughout the day provided insights into the challenges adolescents face, particularly in the post-COVID-19 context, offering a roadmap for addressing these concerns.
Dr. Khampheng Phongluxa, Director General of Lao TPHI, expressed her appreciation, stating,
We are thrilled to witness the unwavering commitment of researchers from both the region and beyond over the past nine years. The Adolescent Research Day fosters collaboration between researchers and policymakers, facilitating discussions on key elements that drive demographic dividends and socioeconomic development. As we move forward, we must intensify our efforts to protect and promote gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, and employment for adolescents, guiding us toward a prosperous future for Lao PDR and the Asia-Pacific region.”
Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative’s message to young researchers highlighted the following:
Today’s Adolescent Research Day in Lao PDR represents a convergence of evidence and insights. As the country is committed to digital transformation, we believe youth-led sessions and deliberations on digital pathways related to gender inequality and sexual and reproductive health and rights will come up with ideas and recommendations to close the gender digital divide, ensure digital inclusion, support digital literacy and skills to unlock new opportunities and create a safe and secure online space.”
