Majuro, MH - Professionals from across the Republic of the Marshall Islands and neighboring Pacific regions gathered for a groundbreaking Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) Training, aimed at improving access to health services for the region’s youth.
The training, facilitated by Ms. Hiromi Takahashi of Family Planning Australia and supported by the UNFPA Pacific, is part of a regional initiative to enhance the delivery of youth-centered sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Participants included school nurses, counselors, curriculum specialists, youth services managers, parent educators, and other key stakeholders from organizations such as the College of Micronesia - FSM, College of the Marshall Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Public School System, RMI Ministry of Culture & Internal Affairs, WUTMI RMI, and Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organisation (MIDPO).
The training addressed a wide range of essential topics, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to provide inclusive, rights-based, and trauma-informed care to young people aged 18-35. Key areas of focus included:
• Understanding youth culture and addressing SRH challenges in the Pacific, including the Marshall Islands.
• Implementing privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent practices.
• Adopting trauma-informed care and disability-inclusive approaches.
• Strengthening communication and youth engagement in health programs.
“This training is about building capacity to ensure that young people receive the care and respect they deserve,” said Ms. Hiromi Takahashi. “By creating safe, accessible, and youth-centered services, we are investing in the health and future of the next generation.”
Participants engaged in practical sessions and discussions to explore how to break down barriers young people face in accessing care, implement systems to enhance inclusivity, and strengthen data collection to monitor and improve services. The training also emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to create a unified approach to youth health.
“This program is a game-changer,” said a participant. “We are leaving with tools and strategies to transform our communities and ensure that every young person feels supported and valued when seeking care.”
The YFHS Training is part of a larger initiative funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through UNFPA’s Transformative Agenda for Women, Adolescents, and Youth in the Pacific. This regional program spans eight Pacific Island countries, providing standardized training and resources to support the health and well-being of youth.
In her closing remarks, Secretary of Health Francyne Wase-Jacklick emphasized the shared responsibility to act on the training’s outcomes: “This training is a turning point for our health services. With the majority of our population being youth, it is not just our duty but our privilege to provide them with the care, respect, and support they need. I urge every participant to take what you have learned here and become advocates and leaders for youth health in your communities. Together, we can create a future where every young person feels empowered to thrive.”
For more information about the YFHS initiative, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
//END//
