A total of four consultations - one per health region - have been organised to solicit comments and suggestions towards the refinement of the plan. The first session will take place on May 26 at the Ruins in St Ann, and will target stakeholders in St Mary, Portland and St Ann.

Programme coordinator for adolescent health in the Ministry of Health, Joi Chambers, said the consultations would encourage dialogue which was critical to the end product.

"The early engagement of stakeholders will ensure that the ministry has a realistic plan that is reflective of the health needs of young people and can be implemented successfully," she said.

The other consultations are scheduled for June 9, 16 and 30 in Kingston, St James and Manchester, respectively.

The National Strategic Plan for Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents in Jamaica will provide a detailed framework for addressing the health needs of 10-19-year-olds in rural and urban areas. The needs of pre-adolescents aged eight and nine will also be targeted in the plan.

"The aim is to develop a comprehensive plan that will effectively meet the needs of young people in and out of school, living in both rural and urban areas," Chambers said.

Among the issues to be addressed are violence prevention, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, drug aware-ness, cigarette smoking and chronic disease prevention.

The plan will cover the period 2009-2014 and is expected to be ready for circulation later this year.