Boksburg

SOUTH AFRICAN LAUNCH

Our future: a Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing

Thursday, 29 September 2016, 10:00 – 12:30 SAST

Adolescence is a critical time of formative growth to achieve human potential, a fascinating period of profound physical, psychological, and emotional change. It is a life stage marked by both vulnerability and opportunity. As adolescents develop, they reach for engagement beyond their families, and a greater sense of place in the world. The decisions they make, and habits they form, can determine their health and wellbeing for a lifetime. Investments in adolescent health and wellbeing are therefore critical. They are also key to sustainable development.

Our Future: A Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing report brings together perspectives from public health, economics, political and social science, behavioural science and neuroscience and provides recommendations for action to protect and promote the health, wellbeing and potential of the largest generation in human history. This launch provides a space to critically reflect on how South Africa is responding to key issues in adolescent health. We look forward to your contributions. Click here to read more about Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in South Africa.

On the day of the launch, Commissioner chair, Prof George Patton and Commissioner, Dr Jane Ferguson appeared on Morning Live on South African television to discuss the Lancet Commission’s report on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, watch that recording here:

 

Launch agenda

Birchwood Hotel Conference Centre,
14 View Point Road, Boksburg (map)

09:30–10:00Registration & Coffee
10:00–10:05Welcome
Prof Linda Richter, Director of DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand
Prof Deenan Pillay, Director of the Africa Health Research Insitute
10:05–10:25Report Overview plus Q&A
Prof George Patton, Lancet Commission Chair, University of Melbourne, Australia
George’s presentation
10:30–11:00Here are the recommendations made at global level – How is SA addressing these?
Tsipiso Makwetla,  SAfm
11:00–11:15National policies, initiatives, progress and challenges
Dr Yogan Pillay, Deputy Director-General for HIV/AIDS, TB and Maternal Child and Women’s Health, National Department of Health
Yogan’s presentation
11:15–11:35Drama for life 
A performance by Drama for Life (Wits) in collaboration with the Wits University Health Communications Research Unit
11:15–11:35Addressing gaps in global knowledge – Study on interventions for parents to reduce violence among adolescents
Nwabisa Jama-Shai, Gender and Health Research Unit, Medical Research Council
Nwabisa’s presentation
11:40–12:00Data is available on adolescents in SA
Prof Priscilla Reddy, Population Health, Health Systems and Innovations, Human Sciences Research Council
Priscilla’s presentation
12:00–12:15Youth activists’ role in promoting and implementing action
Duncan Moeketse, Youth Activist
12:30 +Closing, followed by A light lunch
Tspiso Makwetla, SAfm

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