WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the ANIMA-AA Kit, a practical tool designed to support health care workers in identifying, responding to and supporting children and adolescents affected by violence.

PAHO said the initiative aims to strengthen frontline health services across the Americas, including the Caribbean, where violence remains a widespread and urgent public health challenge.

The United Nations (UN) agency said violence is highly prevalent in the region, and sexual violence is of particular concern, as it disproportionately affects girls. Among adolescents aged 15 to 19, one in five experiences physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.