The United Nations Kids’s Fund (UNICEF) has joined palms with the Ministry of Well being and Wellness in Jamaica, alongside different key stakeholders, to craft a complete psychological well being coverage tailor-made to the distinctive wants of kids and adolescents within the nation.
Youth-driven and evidence-based
UNICEF’s Consultant for Jamaica, Olga Isaza, unveiled this formidable endeavor at a Youth Psychological Well being Summit held on the AC Lodge by Marriott in New Kingston on Wednesday, October 11.
In her handle, Isaza emphasised the paramount significance of an evidence-based strategy and the lively incorporation of youth views into this transformative policy-making course of.
Empowering the subsequent technology
Roughly 100 college students, representing a various array of excessive colleges from throughout the island, have gathered for this two-day summit. Their lively participation holds the promise of ushering in important shifts within the panorama of psychological well being companies and packages in Jamaica.

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Charting a brand new course
The summit, which prolonged into Thursday, October 12, was designed to supply data-driven insights into the psychological well being challenges confronting kids and adolescents. Matters beneath dialogue included the crucial of broader service accessibility and the technology of revolutionary options to handle these urgent points.
Youth voices amplified
Ms. Isaza urged the scholars to share their reflections, concepts, and ideas regarding the state of younger individuals’s psychological well being and their particular wants.
She underscored the significance of resilience and advocacy, encouraging them to face up not just for themselves but in addition for these in larger want of assist.
A day of participating dialogue and deliberation
The summit’s actions featured a riveting panel dialogue and breakout periods, offering college students with a possibility to dissect and reimagine the panorama of psychological well being companies.
Their insights and suggestions, introduced on the second day of the summit, October 12, might be instrumental in shaping coverage choices.
Management and dedication
Key policymakers, together with Minister of Well being and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton; Minister of Schooling and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams; and Minister of State, Hon. Marsha Smith, will obtain and take into account these important options and suggestions.
A pledge of ongoing advocacy
Ms. Isaza reaffirmed UNICEF’s unwavering dedication to championing psychological well being as a prime precedence for Jamaica’s younger individuals.
She careworn the group’s dedication to making sure that youth voices proceed to be heard and valued within the decision-making course of.
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