During the regional observance of Andean Week for the Prevention of Pregnancy in Childhood and Adolescence, the Health Secretariat of Atlántico mobilized 220 teenagers and young adults from all 22 municipalities of the department for a comprehensive health and culture summit held in Baranoa on September 30, 2026. The department-led gathering aimed to reinforce sexual and reproductive rights, prevent teenage and childhood pregnancies, and dismantle barriers to confidential healthcare access through interactive workshops and cultural events.
Regional Strategy and Institutional Framework
The Atlántico departmental meeting operates directly under the subregional commitments of the PLANEA 2026–2030 framework established by the Andean Health Organization (ORAS-CONHU). It also aligns with Colombia’s National Intersectoral Policy on Sexuality and Reproductive Rights 2026–2035, set forth in Joint Resolution 1350 of 2026. María Patricia Arias, referente of the Sexual and Reproductive Health program at the Atlántico Health Secretariat, stated that the event promotes youth development and prevents adolescent pregnancy through games, recreation, and cultural expressions coordinated with municipal services.
National and regional priorities target specific vulnerable populations, focusing heavily on girls under 15 years of age, indigenous communities, Afro-descendants, migrants, individuals with disabilities, and adolescent males. The department specifically engaged members of the Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Services Network (SSAAJ), bringing together 300 total participants including municipal delegations and local support teams at the Countryside Headquarters of the Banda de Baranoa.
Rights Protection and Digital Safety Goals
The 2026 Andean Week initiatives move beyond basic prevention to emphasize comprehensive rights guarantees. Key operational objectives include eliminating early childhood pregnancy, eradicating child marriage and early unions, and managing digital environment risks. According to regional directives, any pregnancy in a minor under 14 is treated as an expression of sexual violence, triggering immediate protection pathways and zero tolerance.
To support these protections, organizers reinforced access to modern long-acting contraceptives, comprehensive sexuality education, and the implementation of Law 2447 of 2025, which works to dismantle child marriage in urban and rural settings. The initiative also addresses virtual spaces, utilizing artificial intelligence and digital platforms as protective environments to mitigate digital gender-based violence.
Interactive Workshops and Youth Engagement
Participants rotated through four educational and practical stations designed to build life skills, shatter myths about modern contraceptives, and prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Carlos Fabián Algarín, a participating psychologist, described a physical obstacle course exercise where participants crossed a rope blindfolded to analyze emotional responses regarding life’s hurdles and personal goal-setting.
Young participants noted the tangible value of the sessions. Gedinson Fábregas, a member of the Friendly Services network from Malambo, emphasized that learning to listen properly is critical for building a stable future. Sheila Tirado, a student and member of the Friendly Services of Palmar de Varela, added that balancing pregnancy prevention with the defense of reproductive rights helps youth look beyond immediate horizons to achieve long-term personal goals.
Multi-Agency Safety and Cultural Integration
The closing ceremony featured a live performance by the Majestuosa Banda de Colombia—formerly known as the Banda de Baranoa—performing genres ranging from reggaeton and salsa to vallenato and cumbia for an audience of young attendees. Institutional coordination for the event involved on-site informational booths from Benefit Plan Administrator Entities (EAPB), EPS, and IPS providers.
Medical and security logistics were maintained by the National Police through a Purple Patrol post, alongside the Civil Defense, the Red Cross, and an ambulance deployed by the ESE Local Hospital of Baranoa to provide emergency medical support throughout the gathering.