Abstract

To congregate is synonymous with gathering, to bring together in an assembly or group of people to share opinions and professional practices resulting in a collective consensus on some relevant subject with representatives from various institutions in the country. Medical congresses have this main purpose, to present research and data to obtain a convergence of knowledge and then, to remain more updated for future activities.

The 15th Brazilian Congress on Adolescence, with the theme “Teenagers of the 21st century: have they changed or have we changed?”, took place from May 23 to 25, 2019, in Sao Paulo, organized by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) and the Society of Pediatrics of Sao Paulo (SPSP). It was an important example of the practice of congregating, sharing and multiplying knowledge regarding adolescent health, in Brazil and Latin America. Professionals representing the Adolescence Committee of the Latin American Pediatric Association (ALAPE): Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, El Salvador, Honduras and PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) were also present. There was also a forum on “strengthening families” on adolescence, with a letter written and read to all participants of the Congress by the adolescents themselves.

In total, more than 600 health professionals from all Brazilian states were present and 263 research papers were presented in posters or orally, with debates and comments on theory and professional practice. Even poetry was heard and we had poet doctors reciting and bringing joy to all the congress participants. The topics presented were local, national and universal, ranging from the WHO AA-HA project on accelerating actions in adolescent health, as well as pregnancy, drugs & alcohol, chronic diseases, digital health, vaccination, oral health, violence, sexual abuse, refugees and immigrants, gender issues with testimonies from Mothers for Diversity, among many others.

Unique moments of meetings, celebrations and many hugs were recorded, in addition to opportunities for the new professionals to meet colleagues and their teachers. And thus, they discussed more possibilities for research, work and actions for prevention, treatment and monitoring of Comprehensive Health Care for Adolescents. Public policies and the need for more government actions to protect the adolescent and youth population were also discussed, with representatives from the São Paulo Health Department and the Ministry of Health, in addition to professionals from SBP-SPSP present. Certificates of professional recognition were presented to Drs. Maria Veronica Coates, Albertina Takiuti Duarte, Maria Ignez Saito and Monica Borile, who deserved everyone’s applause for their relevant actions in the area of ​​Adolescent Health.

And time does not stop… And more congresses are planned to take place in Barranquilla, Colombia, organized by CODAJIC, from October 23 to 26, 2019, and also in Costa Rica from May 27 to 29, 2020, and then we will have the International Congress in Lima-Peru, organized by IAAH (International Association for Adolescent Health) from November 5 to 7, 2020. Thus, we have every reason to gather, present and publish research papers on Adolescent Health, to share and multiply everyone’s knowledge! It is necessary to maintain energy, enthusiasm and professional dedication, adolescents deserve it and generations are grateful!

Note

Through the website of the International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH), information networks, upcoming events and updates on Adolescent Medicine are available. The address is www.iaah.org