Adolescent mental health is a growing public health priority in Bangladesh, yet youth voices are often underrepresented in shaping policies and services. Recognizing this gap, SERAC-Bangladesh, with the support of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), organized a Youth-Led Consultation under the capstone initiative: “Youth-Driven Advocacy Advancing Policy Commitment to Integrate Mental Health Support into AFHCs in Bangladesh.” The consultation aimed to elevate youth perspectives and generate actionable recommendations for improving mental health support within Adolescent Friendly Health Corners (AFHCs) and School Health Clinics.
Empowering Youth Voices
The consultation brought together 30 participants, including 20 Volunteer Peer Leaders (VPLs) and youth volunteers, along with government representatives and mental health experts.Through interactive activities-such as ice-breaking sessions, group discussions, and presentations-youth participants shared field experiences, identified social and systemic barriers, and collaboratively proposed practical solutions to enhance awareness, accessibility, and youth-friendly mental health support systems.
Leveraging the Volunteer Peer Leader Model
The VPL model emerged as a promising strategy to strengthen adolescent mental health services. By formally linking VPLs with AFHCs and School Health Clinics, youth can play an active role in guiding service design, promoting mental health literacy, and ensuring that adolescent needs are prioritized. This model empowers youth to serve as advocates, peer counselors, and change agents, bridging gaps between young people and health service providers, while fostering sustainable community-driven support mechanisms.
Leadership and Facilitation
The consultation was led by Shahina Yasmin, Project Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, with support from Md. Nazmul Hasan, Project Manager, who presented an overview of why mental health is critical for overall well-being of adolescents and youth. The discussion was moderated by Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director (Program), with facilitation and coordination provided by the SERAC team, including Faria Sultana Trina, Program Associate; Md. Najmul Islam, Associate Finance & Admin Officer; and Md. Emran Hossain, Deputy Director (Finance)..
Insights from Government Representatives
Distinguished guests from national health authorities underscored the importance of youth-driven mental health initiatives. Dr. Md. Monjur Hossain, Assistant Director (MCH) at the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), highlighted that “There is no health without mental health,” noting the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents. He emphasized that mental health is gradually being integrated into adolescent health strategies across both the DGFP and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), with plans to expand services within primary healthcare.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, Assistant Director (School Health) at Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing adolescent and youth issues within the health system. He commended the achievements of the Volunteer Peer Leaders (VPLs) and highlighted the potential for the VPL model to be integrated into mainstream school health clinics, primary healthcare, and adolescent health services. He stated, “We also prioritize adolescent and youth issues, and we welcome every positive initiative related to adolescents and youth.” Dr. Iqbal expressed appreciation for SERAC-Bangladesh’s initiative and assured continued support to help strengthen youth-driven mental health programs.
Driving Sustainable Impact
SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of sustained engagement and follow-up with government institutions. By formally linking VPLs with AFHCs and School Health Clinics, the program can ensure that adolescent mental health receives sustained attention at both policy and programmatic levels.
This Youth-Led Consultation demonstrates a scalable and youth-driven approach to improving mental health services in Bangladesh. By centering youth voices, leveraging the VPL model, and fostering collaboration with government stakeholders, SERAC-Bangladesh is advancing a more accessible, inclusive, and responsive mental health system that prioritizes the well-being of adolescents.