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)
| 09:30–10:00 | Registration & Coffee |
| 10:00–10:05 | Welcome 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 |
| 10:05–10:25 | Report Overview plus Q&A Prof George Patton, Lancet Commission Chair, University of Melbourne, Australia George’s presentation |
| 10:30–11:00 | Here are the recommendations made at global level – How is SA addressing these? Tsipiso Makwetla, SAfm |
| 11:00–11:15 | National 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 |
| 11:15–11:35 | Drama for life A performance by Drama for Life (Wits) in collaboration with the Wits University Health Communications Research Unit |
| 11:15–11:35 | Addressing 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 |
| 11:40–12:00 | Data is available on adolescents in SA Prof Priscilla Reddy, Population Health, Health Systems and Innovations, Human Sciences Research Council Priscilla’s presentation |
| 12:00–12:15 | Youth activists’ role in promoting and implementing action Duncan Moeketse, Youth Activist |
| 12:30 + | Closing, followed by A light lunch Tspiso Makwetla, SAfm |
