La Red de Promoción de la Salud de Fuerteventura: A Lifeline for Youth Health Education

In the heart of Fuerteventura, an invaluable initiative known as La Red de Promoción de la Salud de Fuerteventura, or RedPSAP, is making significant strides in healthcare and health education among the island’s youth. Launched by the Área de Salud, this program has been an essential part of the community since the 1999-2000 academic year. With over 25 years of service, it continues to promote preventive health measures and support for young individuals.

The Reach of Consulta Joven

One of the flagship components of this initiative is the Consulta Joven, a service designed specifically for students. During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 1,650 students across ten secondary educational institutions and one integrated vocational training center (CIFP) benefitted from this program. The participating schools are spread out across various Basic Health Zones like Jandía, Tuineje-Pájara, La Oliva, and Puerto-Antigua-Betancuria, allowing for wide access to vital health resources.

In the previous school year, over 970 students utilized the Consulta Joven, in addition to 680 more who took part in special activities surrounding World AIDS Day on December 1st at partner schools. This demonstrates not only the program’s sustained relevance but also its crucial role in raising awareness about significant health issues.

A Safe Space for Concerns

The Consulta Joven offers a confidential and accessible environment during school breaks, where students can address various health-related questions and concerns. Health professionals—including nurses, social workers, and midwives—staff the consultations, focusing on comprehensive support for young people.

This service covers a wide array of topics including healthy lifestyle choices, addiction prevention (both substance-related and behavioral), nutrition, physical activity, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), self-perception, and self-esteem. By addressing these diverse issues, the program aims to equip students with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions.

Promoting Informed Sexuality

A key priority of the Consulta Joven is the promotion of informed and protected sexuality. The program actively works to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies by providing students with essential information about sexual health. Young people receive advice on their rights concerning sexual and reproductive health, alongside guidance on contraceptive methods and their proper use. This emphasis on informed decision-making is crucial for empowering youth to take charge of their health.

Coordination with Educational Institutions

To ensure seamless integration into the academic calendar, the program coordinates with educational institutions to establish pre-set schedules for consultations. This allows students to access health advice in a secure and trustworthy environment, fostering a sense of comfort and safety when discussing sensitive subjects.

Consultation Hours for the 2025/2026 Academic Year

The Consulta Joven operates on a flexible schedule, allowing students to visit once a week during their breaks when health professionals are available. Below are the designated times for various schools:

ZBS Península de Jandía:

• IES Jandía: Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 AM.

ZBS Tuineje/Pájara:

• IES Gran Tarajal: Mondays from 11:15 to 11:45 AM.
• IES Vigán: Tuesdays from 11:15 to 11:55 AM.

ZBS La Oliva:

• IES La Oliva: Wednesdays from 11:10 to 11:40 AM.
• IES Corralejo: Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:15 AM.

ZBS Puerto/Antigua/Betancuria:

• IES Puerto Cabras: Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 AM.
• IES Puerto del Rosario: Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 AM.
• IES Santo Tomás de Aquino: Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 AM.
• CIFP Majada Marcial: Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 AM.
• IES San Diego: Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 AM.
• IES Antigua: Mondays from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM.

This well-organized framework ensures the Consulta Joven remains an accessible resource for all students, highlighting its commitment to fostering a healthier, more informed generation.