Saathiya approach in adolescents program
Reading File
Finding Sources
Searching the Web
SAATHIYA approach adolescent health program India RKSK peer educator
Finding Sources
Reading Web Page
https://ncgg.org.in/sites/default/files/lectures-document/So…
Finding Sources
Searching the Web
Saathiya resource kit adolescent health India six thematic areas training selection criteria
Reading File
Reading Web Page
https://ncgg.org.in/sites/default/files/lectures-document/So…
Here is a comprehensive overview of the SAATHIYA Approach in the Adolescents Program:
SAATHIYA Approach in Adolescent Health (RKSK)
Background
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) was launched in January 2014 by the Government of India under the RMNCH+A strategy to reach out to 253 million adolescents (aged 10-19 years). It broadens the focus of adolescent health beyond reproductive and sexual health to include life skills, nutrition, mental health, substance misuse, NCDs, and injuries/violence.
One of the flagship community-based interventions under RKSK is the Peer Educator Programme - the "SAATHIYA" approach.
(Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine)
What is SAATHIYA?
The word "Saathiya" means companion/friend. It refers to trained peer educators selected from within the community who act as health catalysts among their fellow adolescents. The model is built on the principle that adolescents are more likely to seek health information and behavioral guidance from peers of the same age rather than from adults or health professionals.
Selection of Saathiyas
- 4 Saathiyas (2 boys + 2 girls) are selected per village / per 1,000 population / per ASHA habitation
- Selection is facilitated by the ASHA worker in consultation with the Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC)
- Selection criteria include: age appropriateness, motivation, volunteerism, cultural awareness, communication skills, and educational qualifications
Six Thematic Areas (RKSK Strategic Priorities)
Saathiyas are trained to deliver education and promote behavior change across six key thematic areas:
| # | Theme |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nutrition |
| 2 | Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) |
| 3 | Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) |
| 4 | Substance Misuse |
| 5 | Injuries and Violence (including gender-based violence) |
| 6 | Mental Health |
Role of Saathiyas (Peer Educators)
- Sensitize adolescents about their health needs and rights
- Inform about availability of Adolescent Friendly Health Centre (AFHC) services and encourage utilization
- Distribute commodities - sanitary napkins, IFA (Iron-Folic Acid) tablets, condoms
- Organize quarterly Adolescent Health Days (AHD) - to enhance reach of preventive and promotive interventions
- Participate in Adolescent Friendly Clubs (AFC) - meetings that create a safe space for adolescent engagement
- Raise community awareness among parents, families, and stakeholders on adolescent health issues
Training of Saathiyas
Training is provided by:
- Healthcare workers (ANMs, ASHAs, Block Medical Officers)
- Mentor trainers from NGOs with expertise in adolescent health
- Specialized personnel like counselors and Block Medical Officers
The training curriculum includes:
- Theoretical knowledge on the 6 themes
- Interactive activities and role-plays
- Communication and interpersonal skills development
- Practical skill building
SAATHIYA Resource Kit
The Ministry of Health launched the SAATHIYA Resource Kit (February 2017) developed in partnership with UNFPA and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). It includes:
- Printed educational materials (booklets, flipcharts)
- SAATHIYA Mobile App - a ready digital information source for adolescents, especially for when they cannot access a peer educator directly
Key Implementation Platforms
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| AFHC (Adolescent Friendly Health Centres) | Clinical + counselling services (SRH, nutrition, mental health, substance misuse, NCDs, GBV) |
| WIFS (Weekly Iron & Folic Acid Supplementation) | Addresses anaemia in adolescent girls and boys (10-19 yrs); biannual deworming |
| Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) | Promotes menstrual hygiene among girls aged 10-19 in rural areas |
| Adolescent Health Days (AHD) | Quarterly community outreach organized by Saathiyas |
| Adolescent Friendly Clubs (AFC) | Community platforms for adolescent engagement |
Evidence and Outcomes (i-Saathiya Study - PHFI)
The i-Saathiya study (conducted by Public Health Foundation of India) evaluated the real-world implementation of the programme and found:
- Improved menstrual hygiene - increased use of hygienic menstrual products among adolescent girls
- Reduced tobacco and alcohol consumption among adolescents
- Reduced child marriages and teenage pregnancies
- Support for school dropouts to continue education
- COVID-19 response - Saathiyas served as community innovators and mobilizers during the pandemic
- Peer educators demonstrated versatility by taking on new roles beyond their usual mandate
Challenges
- Inconsistent AFHC quality and staffing
- Poor attendance of Saathiyas at AFC meetings in some districts
- Data recording and reporting gaps
- Variable training quality across states
- Need for stronger mentoring and refresher support
Summary
The SAATHIYA approach is a community-based peer education model that places trained adolescent volunteers at the heart of India's national adolescent health strategy. By using age-appropriate, peer-to-peer communication across six health themes, it aims to bridge the gap between adolescents and formal health services - making health information accessible, reducing stigma, and promoting positive behavior change across India's vast rural adolescent population.
For the official RKSK programme details, visit rksk.in. Evidence on implementation is summarized in the i-Saathiya study findings.
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.