(KPL) The Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (Lao TPHI), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) jointly hosted the 9th Annual Adolescent Research Day (ARD) in Vientiane on Oct 23, focusing on the theme “Digital Pathways in Relation to Gender Inequality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Adolescents.”

The forum showcased the latest research on adolescent health and development, with a special focus on adolescent girls' challenges. This year's theme addressed the intersection of digital technologies with gender inequality and adolescents' sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The ARD, established in 2016 under the Noi Ecosystem Approach, has become a crucial platform for researchers, policymakers, and development partners to share findings and promote evidence-based solutions. The event aims to drive advocacy and develop interventions for adolescents aged 10-19, contributing to national priorities across health, education, and empowerment.

Commitments to Adolescents and Gender Equality

Dr. Phaivanh Keopaseuth, Deputy Minister of Health, underscored the importance of research in addressing adolescent needs and advancing Lao PDR's commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). “To achieve these commitments, we must consistently evaluate the challenges adolescents face and ensure that our policies and programs are evidence-driven,” he stated. Dr. Keopaseuth emphasized that promoting adolescent health is key to achieving both the ICPD25 goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year’s forum delved into how digital tools can be leveraged to promote sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and gender equality, while also addressing broader challenges such as climate change. Researchers discussed how technology can enhance health literacy among adolescents and bridge gender gaps in access to digital resources.

Addressing Key Adolescent Health Issues

The forum provided a comprehensive look at key issues, such as adolescent pregnancy, early and forced marriages, contraceptive use, and mental health, all within the post-COVID-19 context. Researchers and attendees discussed current data and identified gaps for future research, offering a roadmap for addressing these critical challenges. Presentations highlighted how digital pathways can be employed to improve health outcomes for adolescents while promoting gender equality.

Dr. Khampheng Phongluxa, Director General of Lao TPHI, praised the continued collaboration between researchers and policymakers, noting, “The Adolescent Research Day fosters important discussions on the key drivers of demographic dividends and socioeconomic development. Going forward, we must intensify our efforts to protect and promote gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and adolescent education and employment, securing a brighter future for Lao PDR”.

A Call for Digital Inclusion

UNFPA Representative Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov highlighted the forum’s focus on digital inclusion in his message to young researchers. “As Lao PDR commits to digital transformation, youth-led discussions on digital pathways related to gender inequality and SRHR are essential for closing the gender digital divide,” he said. Dr. Kadyrov encouraged the forum participants to generate ideas that will enhance digital literacy, ensure safe online spaces, and create new opportunities for adolescents.

The 9th Adolescent Research Day concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening research on adolescent health and expanding digital pathways for youth development, ultimately contributing to Lao PDR's socioeconomic progress.

KPL