An-Najah Staff

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines “adolescence” as the age 10 -19 and “youth”as age 15-24, using the term “young people” to refer to the combination of groups (age 10-24). According to the PCBS 2005 (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics) the age group 10-24 comprises about 32% of population , and only 50% of them have health insurance. One of important health challenges facing youth in Palestine is a high percent of smoking , other important challenges are physical and mental wellness, nutrition needs,reproductive health needs ,and important medical health needs. Traditional health systemin Palestine has provided services to youth among either pediatric services or adult services without being tailored to this age group needs. According to WHO the key points for Youth freindly services(YES) include full participation of young people in peer education and life skills They should be integrated with other services and sectors, health providers should be trained in youth friendly approaches, counselling &communication,and finally must ensure privacy, confidentiality and quality of care . Services can be provided on a static facility basis (out patient, in patient), or out reach or mobile basis by a range of different service providers. Youth health services can be integrated through one or more of the following models; primary health care, student health facilities, educational system, Youth Centres or Out reach services for especially vulnerable young people .In Palestine an assessment of the youth needs must be done in order to decide about the best model/s to adopt while we are moving to provide youth freindly health services.