AP launches digital health portal for teenagers | Vijayawada News

Vijayawada: In a noteworthy move to enhance adolescent healthcare awareness, the state government has launched a dedicated digital health portal for students aged 13-19 years under the Andhra Pradesh School Health & Wellness Programme (APS HWP). The initiative concentrates on preventive healthcare by providing students with knowledge on physical health, mental well-being, personal hygiene, gender equality, substance abuse, HIV awareness, and safe internet use.According to officials, the portal offers short video-based lessons in both Telugu and English, each under 15 minutes, designed in an interactive and conversational manner.Topics include menstrual health, nutrition, mental health, and the effects of excessive social media use. The platform also features gamified learning, quizzes, and online assessments, with certificates awarded to students scoring above 80%.“The portal, which is accessible at apshwp.ap.gov.in, has been developed to provide scientifically reliable and age-appropriate information on key health and lifestyle issues,” Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav said while announcing the launch of the health portal on Friday.Commissioner (medical & health) G Veerapandian stated that the portal aims to counter misinformation among students by delivering verified and scientifically accurate content through a centralised platform.The government has also initiated training programmes for selected teachers and lecturers in government schools and junior colleges to promote awareness and effective use of the portal. Around 150 educators per district are being trained as part of this effort.Meanwhile, officials reported that the initiative has already received encouraging participation, with over 36,000 students registered so far, of whom nearly 75% are girls.