SEXUAL HEALTH OF ADOLESCENTS: THE SPECIFICS OF THE WORK OF NON – GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

Sexual health is the foundation for a person's overall health and well-being. And adolescence is a favorable time for the formation of healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle aimed at improving sexual health, since it is a period of constant physical, psychological, emotional and social changes. In Ukraine, in recent years, the component of preventive education, including the prevention of sexual health, has become much more effective: new preventive programs and optional courses are being developed, the number of teachers undergoing special training is increasing, and the supply of methodological materials to schools is improving. But Russia's military actions in Ukraine have endangered the health and safety of teenagers and young people. Issues of sexual and reproductive health, violation of personal boundaries, issues of consent and infectious diseases have become more visible. An issue that requires immediate resolution is the importance of preventing violence, particularly sexual violence, which poses a threat to the overall health of our children. Improving the sexual health of adolescents requires the systematic work of many institutions. Secondary education institutions partially raise these issues in the "Basics of Health" lessons and optional courses, but they do not have a single comprehensive system on this issue. The activities of non-governmental organizations, in most cases, are aimed at prevention and improvement of the sexual health of adolescents and have positive results of their work. The purpose of this article is to study the essence and effectiveness of the work of non-governmental organizations of Ukraine working in the field of improving the sexual health of adolescents; in clarifying the priority areas and forms of their activity. The author of the article carried out a theoretical analysis of the activities of non-governmental organizations working in the field of prevention and preservation of sexual health of adolescents, clarified the directions and methods of their work. The article reveals the importance, relevance and effectiveness of cooperation between state and non-state institutions and organizations in the formation of a healthy lifestyle and health of adolescents, in particular sexual.