Adolescent health programming in India: a rapid review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health Programs
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• India's commitment to adolescent health, evolving from the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Strategy (ARSH) in 2005 to the National Adolescent Health Programme (Rashtriya Kishore Swaasthya Karyakram or RKSK) in 2014.
• The World Health Organisation's 2016 review of ARSH and RKSK in India to identify lessons learned for future programming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a rapid program review of India's adolescent health initiatives (ARSH and RKSK).
• To identify successes and challenges in governance, implementation, monitoring, and linkages.
• To provide actionable insights for enhancing future adolescent health programming in India.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a rapid program review methodology.
• Conducted a desk review of policy documents, Program Implementation Plans (PIPs), reports, and state government data.
• Performed 70 semi-structured interviews with national, state, and local health, education, and NGO officials.

Main Results:

• The ARSH Strategy successfully placed adolescent health on the national agenda but faced challenges with resource allocation and service accessibility.
• RKSK demonstrated significant investment in management structures, community engagement, and service delivery, yet challenges remain in service quality monitoring and training.
• Key challenges include ensuring adequate training, support, and retention for peer educators and other implementing partners.

Conclusions:

• India's RKSK effectively integrated lessons from the preceding ARSH Strategy.
• The review findings offer a crucial opportunity for government and partners to guide future adolescent health investments based on documented experiences.
• Continued focus on lessons learned is essential for optimizing adolescent health programming in India.