Message from the Honorary Secretary
Adolescent Health Academy (AHA)
A Subspecialty Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP)

Dear Esteemed Founders, Seniors, Colleagues and Friends,

It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the honor of serving as the Honorary Secretary of the Adolescent Health Academy. To represent our strong family of 3,400 members is a privilege I do not take lightly. My deepest thanks go to each of you for this opportunity. I am eager to work shoulder-to-shoulder with every member at the grassroots level, for that is where our true impact lies.

This year, our mission is clear.

We are subscribing fully to the theme of "Educating and Empowering Preteens (8-12 years)." This transitional age is critical, and we must equip not just the children, but all stakeholders involved in their care and management, with the right tools and knowledge.

As we move forward, we will continue to stand on the strong foundation laid by our predecessors. We will vigorously uphold and propagate the landmark modules developed over the last 25 years. However, our knowledge cannot remain within conference halls. We will place a renewed and aggressive emphasis on Community Outreach Activities to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and public awareness.

Furthermore, AHA must serve as the definitive voice for India’s youth. We will act as the primary channel for articulating adolescent health issues to the Government, UNICEF, and WHO.

Finally, our  commitment remains steadfast toward achieving our long-term structural goals:

• Establishing a recognized Post Graduate Degree in Adolescent Medicine.
• Creating dedicated Inpatient and Outpatient Departments of Adolescent Medicine under Pediatrics in all Medical Colleges.
• Integrating the HEEADSSS assessment into the standard medical curriculum as a mandatory part of history taking for all cases.

Let us work together to shape a healthier future for our adolescents.

Jai IAP, Jai AHA.

Dr Shamik Ghosh
DCH(AFMC,Pune), DNB(Paediatrics) ,MRCP(Edinburgh)
FRCPCH (London), FIAP ( India)
Honorary Secretary
Adolescent Health Academy