Walailak University Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services for Students
Sexual health and reproductive health issues among adolescents, especially unintended pregnancies, are pressing concerns that need to be urgently and comprehensively addressed in Thai society, particularly among university students. Educational institutions play a crucial role in creating an environment conducive to providing knowledge and services related to preventing these issues sustainably. In the case of Walailak University, access to sexual health services and guidance on safe pregnancy, provided directly by the university, is part of promoting the well-being of students.
Walailak University has established the Smile & Smart Center in collaboration with various organizations, such as Tha Sala Hospital, Walailak University Medical Center Hospital, and Sahathai Foundation, to provide students access to sexual and reproductive health-care services including information and education services. This center not only offers free counseling and information but also helps students facing sexual health issues access services more easily through both online and on-site platforms.
Case Study:
In the case of students facing unplanned pregnancies, the Smile & Smart Center offers a comprehensive management plan by providing both medical and psychological counseling, as well as academic and welfare support. For example, one case involved a second–year female student who became pregnant but was unable to inform her parents due to fear. The center arranged accommodation and pregnancy care benefits, including postnatal child care, allowing the student to continue her education and return to her studies after giving birth without losing educational opportunities. Another case involved a second–year male and female student who faced an unplanned pregnancy but still wished to continue their studies. The university organized a meeting with the relevant faculties to create a support plan, enabling both students to complete their studies on schedule. In addition, there is an Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic that provides consultations for students, following services from the Smile & Smart Clinic, and offers counseling on sexual and reproductive health care for students.
Activities
Walailak University continues to organize and participate in various programs related to sexual and reproductive health to enhance both the organization and its students’ readiness to address future challenges. These activities aim to improve knowledge and skills in health care and prevention of potential issues.
Participation in the Strategic Plan Meeting for Preventing and Addressing Adolescent Pregnancy (2023-2027)
Walailak University participated in a meeting to draft the Strategic Plan for Preventing and Addressing Adolescent Pregnancy (2023–2027) with 13 other organizations from Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The university is responsible for Strategy 1, which focuses on educating youth on sexual health, ensuring access to services, and facilitating referrals. In collaboration with relevant agencies, the university gathered input to draft a project plan that will be presented to the provincial governor.
AIDS Awareness and Prevention Education by the Social Medicine Department, Walailak University Hospital
Walailak University Medical Center continues its “Walailak Moving Forward” program, with the theme “Understanding and Preventing AIDS,” conducted by the Social Medicine Department of the Walailak University Hospital.
World AIDS Day 2023 Activities
Walailak University, in collaboration with public health agencies in Nakhon Si Thammarat and NGOs such as Disease Control Office 11, Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Public Health Office, Tha Sala District Public Health Office, the M-Moon Nakhon Si Thammarat Network, and Tha Sala Hospital, organized World AIDS Day activities to raise awareness and prevent the spread of AIDS. The activities included HIV screening, condom distribution, quiz contests, and a discussion panel on the theme “Let Communities Lead: Collaborating to End AIDS.”
HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer Prevention under the Quick Win 100 Days, 1Million Doses Policy
As part of its commitment to promoting sexual and reproductive health, the Health Promotion Department at Walailak University Hospital is providing HPV vaccinations for cervical cancer prevention under Thailand’s national Quick Win 100 Days, 1Million Doses Policy. This initiative targets Thai females aged 11-20 years, helping to safeguard their reproductive health, focusing on those aged 18-20 years. Over 300 students have already received the vaccine, and more than 2,000 students have registered for upcoming vaccinations.
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals