Dharamshala: On January 23 the Department of Health organized an informative session on mental, sexual and reproductive health at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, under its ‘Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) program.’ The talk was delivered by Deputy Secretary Ngawang Tenzin, who holds a post-graduate degree in Public Health from Indiana University and Sonam Tsomo, a dedicated volunteer who has a degree in Psychology from Earlham University.

The discussion was tailored for outgoing Sarah college students and witnessed an active participation from the 40 participants, including 22 females and 18 males. The session not only highlighted the importance of mental health and help-seeking but also addressed critical aspects of sexual and reproductive health. Interactive activities were used to dispel myths around these topics, with students engaging in discussions centered on their own perspectives. For many students, this was their first exposure to these topics and they welcomed the initiative wholeheartedly. They expressed a keen interest in similar programs in the future, underscoring the importance and impact of comprehensive health awareness initiatives. This event reflects the Department of Health’s commitment to promoting holistic well-being and its collaborative efforts with the support extended through USAID and Tibet Fund.