"A Safe Space for Us": How an Adolescent-Friendly Health Service in Dailekh, Nepal is Transforming Teen Health Services
In the hills of Bhaisikhor village, Dailekh District of Nepal, something remarkable has happened—something small in size, but huge in impact. Thanks to the POWER4AY project and its work with the local government and health staff, the Triveni Health Post has become the first officially recognized teen-friendly health post in Karnali Province, and it’s setting a powerful example for others to follow.
From Gaps to Gains: Listening to Teens
Until recently, adolescents in this area had no place to talk about sensitive health issues. “Before, we didn't have anywhere to go to talk about our problems as teenagers,” says Kavita, an adolescent girl from Ward No. 3. “But now, with counselors and a private counseling room, my friends and I can easily get healthcare and feel safe doing so.”
That “room” she refers to is the result of a conversation that began in February 2023. An assessment carried out by POWER4AY revealed critical service gaps: teenagers were often seen in the emergency room—an intimidating and inappropriate space for private consultations. Many simply chose not to come at all.
That changed when the POWER4AY team met with the health post staff to explore the idea of creating a safe, private, and teen-specific space. As a result, the project provided key equipment and furniture—like a weight scale, a bed, family planning kits, and even paint for the room—and facilitated Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health training for two female staff members.
By March 2023, the new room was ready. It wasn’t just about four walls—it was about building trust.
“The success of the teen-friendly room at Triveni Health Post is a great example for other health centers,” says Sadananda Jaishi, the In-Charge of the health post.
“It shows how important dedicated spaces, trained staff, and community involvement are for providing good healthcare to teenagers.”
Teen Health on the Rise
Since the room opened, health workers report a daily average of 8–10 adolescent visits for counseling, checkups, and information. The staff has noticed a shift: teens are opening up, and the quality of care has significantly improved.
“The ASRH training from the POWER4AY Project improved our counseling skills,” says Manju Bist, a senior female staff member. “Now, we see 8 to 10 teenagers every day, and they feel much more comfortable talking about their problems in a safe, teen-friendly setting.”
In one case, the team was able to identify a complex issue that required a referral to Dailekh District Hospital—something that may never have happened without the privacy and trust that the new space offered.
Local Government: Not Just Supporters, but Champions
The success of the initiative has caught the attention of local leaders. In April 2024, the Triveni Health Post was officially certified as a teen-friendly facility, scoring 95.55% on the government’s assessment. After six months of continued improvements, it scored 98%—the highest in the province.
“The teen room at Triveni Health Post has been a real success, with clear positive results,” says Yamman Singh Thapa, Ward Chairperson of Ward 5.
“I pledge to include funding for adolescent health in next year's budget because it's important to support this initiative.”
This isn’t just talk—local governments are already replicating the model in their own planning processes, ensuring adolescent health becomes a lasting priority.
More Than Just One Room
While the teen room is the heart of the transformation, the project has gone further. POWER4AY funded the construction of a small sterilization room (costing NPR 223,467.40 / EUR 1,718.98), strengthening the health post’s ability to offer safe, hygienic services. In partnership with the Swachchhata Project and the Ward Office, an inclusive and gender-friendly toilet was also added, ensuring dignity and accessibility for all.
And beyond infrastructure, the project rolled out life skills training in the community—empowering adolescents to understand their rights, make informed decisions, and seek help when needed.
Looking Ahead
Triveni Health Post’s transformation is more than a facility upgrade—it’s a testament to what can happen when we listen to adolescents, involve communities, and invest in the people delivering care.
As Sadananda Jaishi says: “The support from the local government, Everest Club, and the community was key to this success, ensuring teenagers get the care and support they need.”
This is youth wellbeing in action. This is POWER4AY.
