Why is it important for IPA to have this program and the role of National Pediatric Societies
In most countries the cut off of the paediatric age is 12 yrs and the adolescents are in a no mans land going to adult physicians only when they have physical illness.
In these countries it is necessary to convince paediatricians that adolescent care is important target and they should be motivated to provide improved quality of care to adolescent.
They also need to be provided basic introduction to key concepts, challenges and solutions in dealing with adolescent patients.
Leadership of the National Pediatric societies (NPS) are a critical mass to influence NPS work and National health system on adolescent health.
IPA in collaboration with WHO HQ Geneva , child and adolescent section has developed a adolescent resource kit for use for IPA member Pediatric societies . This has ben field tested in India and will be released in the IPA Congress at Johannesburg in Aug 2010
We can also identify practical steps that individual paediatricians can take in their practice, tools available to support their work and further support members expect from NPS to make improved services provision to young people possible.
Submitted by Dr Swati Bhave Technical Advisor IPA Adolescent Health Program