The Youth Platform (TYP) recently hosted the Adolescent Health Hero Awards, a concert dedicated to recognizing and honouring healthcare providers who deliver adolescent-friendly health services and go above and beyond to support the well-being of adolescents and young people.
What are Adolescent Health Heroes?
Adolescent Health Heroes are individuals or healthcare providers who offer exceptional care and support to adolescents, making a significant positive impact on their lives. These heroes are recognized and awarded annually at the Regional Adolescent Health Indaba (RAHI) for their outstanding contributions.
Why Honor Health Heroes?
Adolescent health is a critical aspect of public health, and the individuals working in this field often go unrecognized. TYP believes that acknowledging their hard work and dedication is essential to encouraging continued excellence in healthcare. By honoring these heroes, TYP aims to motivate others to follow in their footsteps and strive for similar excellence.
2024 Winners
This year’s awards ceremony shone a light on two exceptional individuals:
Winner: Mirriam Tembo, ART Nurse and Adolescent Coordinator, who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to providing comprehensive care to adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. Her dedication and innovative approaches have improved health outcomes and empowered young people to take control of their health.
Runner-up: Joel Mwambalanganya, Registered Nurse, who has shown remarkable passion and expertise in addressing adolescent mental health issues. His work has helped reduce stigma and increased access to mental health services for young people.
Expanding Recognition: Honoring Peer Educators
In addition to healthcare providers, TYP recognizes the vital role peer educators play in delivering adolescent-friendly services. At next year’s RAHI, TYP aims to expand the Adolescent Health Hero Awards to honor peer educators who go above and beyond to provide exceptional support and services to their peers. This expansion will ensure that the dedication and hard work of these young leaders are acknowledged and celebrated.
Continued Collaboration
TYP is committed to continuing its work with these health heroes, supporting their initiatives, and amplifying their impact. By fostering strong partnerships, TYP aims to create a network of dedicated professionals who can drive positive change in adolescent health.
The Adolescent Health Hero Awards was a resounding success, highlighting the critical work of healthcare professionals like Mirriam Tembo and Joel Mwambalanganya. TYP’s continued support and recognition of these heroes will help ensure that their efforts are sustained and replicated, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for adolescents
We’re recognizing healthcare providers who’ve made a significant impact on adolescent health. A special mention to Radisson Blu Mosi O Tunya Resort and Savee Beach Siavanga for partnering with us and providing this year’s 1st and 2nd Prizes for our Adolescent Healthcare Hero award winners.