Empowering Adolescents: Digital Health Initiative in Odisha
In the pursuit of holistic education, Aveti Learning and Piramal Swasthya are joining forces to address critical issues related to adolescent health, nutrition, and overall well-being in the state of Odisha. Adolescence is a crucial phase in life, marked by rapid physical and psychological changes, making it imperative to equip young minds with accurate information to make informed decisions about their health.
The government of Odisha has been at the forefront of initiatives focusing on adolescent health. The School Health and Wellness Program, launched under the Ayushman Bharat Programme, is a testament to the state’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of adolescents. As part of the School Development program, thousands of schools in Odisha have been equipped with digital learning systems, opening up new avenues for disseminating essential health-related information.
Digital communication is a powerful tool, especially for a tech-savvy generation. Aveti Learning recognizes the potential of digital platforms to deliver impactful messages efficiently. Adolescents, often familiar with digital technologies, can benefit from targeted content on smartphones, social media platforms, and other digital channels.
The program’s focus is multi-faceted, addressing various aspects of adolescent health. Behaviors developed during adolescence significantly influence long-term health outcomes. Aveti Learning aims to bridge the gap in existing education by creating engaging digital content that covers topics such as reproductive health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Anemia, a prevalent concern among adolescents, can have far-reaching consequences on cognitive and physical development. In Odisha, the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls is a staggering 53.3%, contributing to maternal mortality and morbidity. Aveti Learning, with its expertise in developing localized content, seeks to address these critical health challenges.
The collaboration with Piramal Swasthya brings technical leadership to the initiative. With a decade-long experience in public healthcare, Piramal Swasthya is well-positioned to curate themes on health, nutrition, and social issues for age-appropriate e-content.
The pilot program will initially focus on two districts, Rayagada and Nabarangpur, reaching out to 10 schools and targeting about 500 adolescent girls. The selected topics for the pilot include Adolescent Anemia and Prevention of Child Marriage. The initiative aims to create an engaging and interactive learning experience, fostering a better understanding of these sensitive topics.
The module development will include interactive audio-visual content, with each concept presented in micro segments. Pre and post-testing will be conducted in collaboration with Piramal Swasthya, involving students from classes 8 to 10 in 10 schools. The dissemination workshops at the district and block levels, along with teacher sensitization, will further enhance the program’s impact.
Aveti Learning’s role extends beyond content creation. The platform’s unique capabilities include delivering content to schools without internet connectivity, ensuring that even remote areas can benefit from this digital initiative. As the program unfolds, key performance indicators will be closely monitored, including the number of video modules developed, district-level events to sensitize teachers, installation of modules at schools, and student participation in sessions. Qualitative feedback and impact reports will provide valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness.
This collaborative effort between Aveti Learning and Piramal Swasthya exemplifies the potential of digital education to bring about positive change in adolescent health outcomes. By harnessing the power of technology, the initiative aspires to empower adolescents with knowledge, paving the way for healthier and more informed communities in Odisha. As the pilot program takes root, it lays the foundation for a broader statewide impact, envisioning a future where every adolescent has access to accurate health information, shaping healthier generations to come.
