Risk and health of adolescents in the valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers in Peru

Abstract

The article presents the diagnosis of the living conditions of male and female adolescents in the area of the valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (in Spanish: VRAEM), who are exposed to situations of risk and social and sexual vulnerability and sexual due to the high levels of coca-leaf production and the context of the illegal drug trade which create the illusion of rapid social ascent. From this, it is necessary to ask: what are the living conditions and risk situations of adolescents in the VRAEM? And, what are the alternatives for an improvement of their situation from access to education and health care programs? This risk situation is the result of unequal gender relations, sexual violence, school dropout, teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug use, as well as of the lack of opportunities as a result of the participation in coca economy and illegal drug trade among adolescents in the VRAEM. Finally, we present the results of the attention of professionals of the health centers to promote counseling on sexual and reproductive health and access to health services of the Adolescent Life Program Life, as an opportunity to link the contents of the education curriculum and the compliance targets of this sector, highlighting the need of an approach of multiculturalism and gender equality in the access to health and education of adolescents.