Purpose:
This policy delineates Varendra University (VU)'s dedication to provide accessible, respectful, confidential, and student-oriented sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The objective is to promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of all students concerning their sexuality, reproductive health, and overall health within the academic context of VU.
Scope:
1. This policy is applicable to all enrolled students of VU, irrespective of gender, age, marital status, religion, race, or nationality.
2. The policy is applicable to the university's Medical Center (or its equivalent), the Student Affairs Office, the counselling unit, and any affiliated service providers.
3. It encompasses on-campus SRH services and health/education promotion initiatives aimed at students.
Policy Objectives:
1. Ensure students have access to reliable information and high-quality services about sexual and reproductive health.
2. Facilitate access to menstrual health assistance and reproductive counselling as required.
3. Assist students who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) or coercion by providing suitable medical, psychological, and referral assistance.
4. Maintain students' rights to confidentiality, informed consent, and protection against discrimination in sexual and reproductive health issues.
5. Incorporate sexual and reproductive health awareness into student orientation, campus activities, and preventative health initiatives at VU.
Guiding Principles:
1. Confidentiality and Privacy: All sexual and reproductive health consultations, tests, treatments, and records will be managed with strict confidentiality. No student information will be disclosed without explicit, informed consent, unless mandated by law.
2. Non-Discrimination and Inclusivity: Services will be accessible to all students without stigma, discrimination, or bias, including factors such as gender identity, marital status, and pregnancy status.
3. Informed Choice and Autonomy: Students will obtain thorough and precise information to facilitate independent decision-making regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
4. Accessibility and Youth-Friendly Service: Services must be readily accessible to students, both in terms of physical location and financial cost. The hours, location, and environment will be designed to be youth-friendly, culturally sensitive, and respectful of diversity.
5. Collaboration and Referral: In instances where in-house services are insufficient to deliver comprehensive care, VU will collaborate with accredited external health-care providers, both public and private, for referrals.
6. Prevention and Health Promotion: The focus will be on both preventive and curative care, encompassing education, awareness, screening, and early intervention.
7. Legal and Ethical Compliance: Services and programs will adhere to national laws, regulations pertaining to health care in Bangladesh, and institutional policies.
Services Offered:
VU will provide or facilitate the following SRH services:
1. Health Education & Counselling: Workshops, seminars, peer education, and individual counselling include subjects such as consent, healthy relationships, STI prevention, menstrual health, sexuality, and sexual rights.
2. Menstrual Health Management: Access to sanitary products, affordable disposal solutions, education on menstrual hygiene, and support for menstrual health issues are essential components of comprehensive menstrual health management.
3. Pregnancy-Related Services: Counselling for students related to pregnancy, referral for antenatal and postnatal care, options counselling, support for the continuation of studies, or referral to specialized services.
4. Gender-Based Violence Response: Crisis counselling, medical care, psychological support, and secure referral pathways (legal, medical, protection).
5. Mental Health Support: Dealing with the mental aspects of sexuality, reproductive health, trauma, relationships, and one's perception of one's body.
6. Health Promotion Campaigns: Consistent campus-wide awareness initiatives, orientation programs for incoming students, peer-educator networks, and partnerships with pertinent NGOs or health authorities.
Implementation and Responsibilities:
1. Medical center (or equivalent): Will oversee SRH service provision, sustain referral connections, supervise confidentiality protocols, and cooperate with Student Affairs.
2. Student Affairs Office: Will organize orientation and awareness programs, implement peer-education initiatives, collaborate with academic departments, and ensure policies are effectively communicated to students.
3. Academic Departments: Integrate sexual and reproductive health education into applicable curriculum, such as those in Public Health or Nursing departments.
4. Students: Bear the obligation to participate in programs, request assistance as necessary, offer input regarding service quality, and uphold the rights of others.
Partnership and referral system:
VU will establish and maintain formal partnerships with:
1. Local public health facilities (Rajshahi Medical College) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) or district health authorities (Civil Surgeon Office) in Rajshahi.
2. Non-governmental organisations engaged in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and youth health rights in Bangladesh.
3. Mental health counselling/referral services.
These collaborations guarantee access to comprehensive treatment beyond the direct offerings of the on-campus facility.
Confidentiality & Record keeping:
1. All student health interactions must be regarded as confidential medical records. Access is restricted to authorized individuals.
2. No personal health information shall be revealed without explicit consent. Exceptions permitted solely when mandated by law (e.g., reportable diseases, potential for significant harm).
3. Aggregate, de-identified data may be used for service monitoring, planning and reporting.
4. Records must be securely preserved (either physically or electronically) and disposed of in accordance with the institutional policy of VU.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality improvement:
1. The University will conduct annual evaluations of SRH programs, including service utilization rates, student satisfaction surveys, and the prevalence of important indicators such as STI prevention counselling uptake and awareness of personal and menstrual hygiene.
2. Feedback loops: Student input must be obtained for service enhancement.
3. Key performance metrics must be established (e.g., percentage of first-year students attending SRH orientation; percentage of students having access to sanitary goods).
4. In light of the findings, the policy and services will be amended to guarantee efficacy.
Policy review:
1. This policy will be evaluated every three years, or sooner if necessitated by alterations in national legislation, institutional strategy, or developing student health requirements.
2. Any modification requires approval from the Student Affairs Committee and the VU authority.
Legal and regulatory context:
1. All services must comply with Bangladesh’s pertinent legislation, including those related to public health, HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, and youth rights.
2. VU’s policy complements national efforts to promote SRHR for adolescents and youth in Bangladesh.
Student rights and responsibilities:
1. To access information and services in relation to their sexual and reproductive health without discrimination.
2. To have services delivered in a confidential, respectful and non-judgmental manner.
3. To make informed choices about their SRH.
4. To be supported in their educational progress regardless of reproductive health status (pregnancy, motherhood, etc).
5. To engage respectfully with health services and staff.
6. To attend awareness sessions and keep themselves informed.
7. To respect the confidentiality and rights of other students.
8. To provide feedback when requested and help improve service quality.
Varendra University – SRH Service Flow-Chart for Students:
