Convergence and outreach for successful implementation of Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram

Abstract

Background: Adolescents (10–19 years of age) constitute about one-fifth of India's population. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has launched Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) in 2014 to improve health of adolescents. Adolescent Health Day (AHD) is an important intervention of RKSK for outreach and to secure convergence among relevant departments. Objectives: The objective of this study is to design and document methodology for effective implementation of AHD. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Talod block of Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. The methodology was developed using ABCDE approach – assess, build, create, deliver, and evaluate. Results: During assess phase, experts identified convergence an important component for successful implementation of RKSK. Formative research reaffirm that convergence played an important role in effective implementation of RKSK. Findings from these two phases led to the creation of a methodology which was used to deliver AHDs. This was further evaluated using interviews with key stakeholders in health and education department. It is now being used to organize AHDs in the district. Conclusion: ABCDE approach can be used to develop a better health interventions for National Health Programs.