During the World AIDS Day Event organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society on December 1, 2023, , the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project of the Health and Family Welfare Department launched the Adolescents Unfiltered podcast.

State social affairs minister Paul Lyngdoh, who was also the chief guest on the occasion, Minister of the Social Welfare Department, Textile Department, and Tourism Department, launched the Adolescents Unfiltered podcast.

Evanylla Marbaniang, Media & Communications Manager for the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project, introduced the podcast, emphasising its goal of providing a platform for adolescents to share their experiences, learn from one another, discover available services, and seek advice from experts.

"We are constantly working to address critical health issues through Social Behavioural Change Communications. We have identified teen pregnancy as a significant concern," she said.

"The 'Adolescents Unfiltered - True Talks, Unfiltered Stories' podcast is one of the activities under the campaign to reduce adolescent pregnancy and provide adolescents with accurate information to empower them to make informed decisions," she explained.

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Spotify, Saavan, Google Podcast, YouTube, Instagram, and other popular platforms will carry the podcast. The goal is to break down the stigma associated with critical topics such as mental health, puberty, peer pressure, and relationships through candid discussions.

Adolescents are encouraged to follow "Adolescents Unfiltered" on all platforms and to share their experiences, stories, and suggestions with the department in order to help it improve its services.

Evanjeline Thubru and Emily Grazel Jyrwa will host the Adolescents Unfiltered podcast.

For a sneak peek of the programme, click here.