Vientiane, 18 May 2020- The Centre for Communication and Education on Health(CCEH), Ministry of Health with support of UNFPA developed a mobile application “Noi Yakhoo” to increase access of adolescents and young people to technically accurate and high quality basic sexual and reproductive health information and to develop referral linkages with adolescent helpline for needs based in-depth information. This mobile application was recently launched by Dr. Khamphone Phoutthavong, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health and Ms. Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Representative to Laos.

" Noi Yakhoo App is the first Lao language application created for adolescent and young people to access information on sexual reproductive health, education, GBV, and other relevant topics, said Mr. Visith Khamlusa, Director General of Centre for Communication and Education for Health, Ministry of Health.

This youth-friendly tool is free for download from Google Play Store on android mobile phones. It provides technically correct information to adolescents and young people in easy to understand format on matters related to sexual reproductive health and education. The topics include: typical questions or requests for information regarding: feelings, mental health, gender, health issues, menstruation, pregnancy, sexuality and STIs and life skills. It also provides information related to skincare, anemia, weight, physical activity.

The UNFPA Representative Ms. Mariam Khan shared that “Youth have questions but are often shy to ask, especially for information on their sexual and reproductive health. The Noi Yakhoo app is a reliable source of correct information that youth can access safely. The app is especially relevant during the COVID-19 related limited mobility that is required.” 

Through the app, youth can choose to read or listen to information. Once downloaded, this App works online and offline. If the users need more information on any topics, they can contact the helplines and other sources of counseling mentioned in the help section of the App.

Lao PDR has a young population, with 58 per cent under the age of 25 years. The youth are important human capital and if they benefit from investments in their education, health, and wellbeing, they can contribute to accelerating the national socio-economic development.

Many of these young people, especially adolescent girls face multiple challenges.   A large proportion of youth is out of secondary schools. The proportions of early marriage and adolescent pregnancies are high, especially in rural areas. Investment in youth means creating an empowering environment for them where they can access information, have the capacity to decide and make informed choices. If adolescents and young people are provided with proper information, services and opportunities they will be better prepared to face life challenges and will be able to develop their full potential which will benefit themselves, their families, communities and the nation

The implementation of youth-friendly reproductive health services is considered a key element to inform and protect youth as they go through adolescence and it is one the Lao PDR commitments to ICPD25 for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.

For more information please contact:

Mr. Visith Khamlusa, Director General, Center of Communication Education on Health (CCEH), Ministry of Health

Email: vkhamlusa@yahoo.com

Mr. Syvongsay Changpitikoun, Programme Analyst, UNFPA LaoPDR

Email: changpitikoun@unfpa.org