20,000 girls below 18 give birth every day-UNFPA




20,000 girls below 18 give birth every day-UNFPA


The State of the World Population (SWOP) 2013 report has indicated that 20,000 girls below age 18 give birth in developing countries every day.

According to the report, nine in 10 of this birth occurs within marriages or a union. It further projected that by 2030 if the current trend continues, the number of birth to girls under 15 could rise to 3 million.

This was revealed at the launch of the State of the World Population (SWOP) 2013 report. The launch was on the theme “Motherhood in Childhood: facing the challenges of adolescent pregnancy”

The SWOP highlights the main challenges of adolescent pregnancy and its serious impact on girl’s education, health and long-term employment opportunities. It also outlines possible means to curb this trend and protect girls’ human rights and well-being.

The report indicated that in every region of the world, impoverished, poorly educated and rural girls are at risk to becoming pregnant. Girls from ethnic minorities or marginalized groups, and those who have limited or no access to sexual and reproductive health are also at greater risk.

The report said pregnancy is the major consequences on girl’s health, in view of this, about 70,000 adolescent in developing countries die annually of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
The report shows that girls who remain in school longer are less likely to become pregnant.

It added that “Education prepares girls for future jobs and livelihoods, raise their self-esteem and their status, and give them more say in decision affecting their lives. Education also reduces the likelihood of child marriage and delay childbearing, eventually leading to healthier birth outcomes.”

Speaking at the program, the UNFPA representative, Dr Bernard Coquelin added that girls who cannot go to school should be engaged in vocational or technical training in order to make them occupied, equipped to help curb this menace in the society.

He said adolescent should be guided and given the opportunity to solve their problems. He added that there should be enough education on adolescent reproductive health in order to create a safer atmosphere for transition into adulthood.

Her ladyship, Justice Barbara Ayensu, keynote speaker at the programmes called on all individuals, organizations, government institutions and parents to help curb the canker.

She noted that the major causes of teenage pregnancy in the country and the world at large are dysfunctional families, rape, and financial problem among others.

She admonished all to invest in adolescent girls in order to empower them to make decisions for themselves. She further called for quick implementation of policies to will help eradicate and prosecute perpetrator.

 Writer: Joshua Kweikuma Quaye
(Ghananewslink.com)

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