SAARC and UNICEF Address Adolescent Pregnancy in South-East Asia

SAARC Secretariat and UNICEF collaborated on a regional dialogue to tackle adolescent pregnancy in South-East Asia. Key figures, including WHO's Saima Wazed, emphasized the pressing health challenges and socio-economic impacts on the region, advocating for improved health services and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretariat, in coordination with the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, held a crucial dialogue to address the pressing issue of adolescent pregnancy in South-East Asia. The event featured notable dignitaries such as Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, and representatives from international organizations.

Highlighting the critical nature of the issue, Saima Wazed noted that South-East Asia constitutes 26 percent of the global population and 29 percent of the adolescent population. She pointed out the severe health challenges faced by adolescents, including high mortality and morbidity rates, with roughly 670 adolescents dying daily from preventable causes. A significant concern is adolescent pregnancy, with close to 6 million teenage girls aged 15 to 19 giving birth annually in the region. Wazed highlighted that adolescent pregnancy is often linked to child marriage—a practice deeply entrenched in social, cultural, and gender norms and a recognized violation of fundamental human rights.

'Child marriage restricts girls' choices, hinders their education, and exposes them to higher risks of domestic violence,' stated Wazed. She elaborated on the difficulties adolescent mothers face in continuing their education and developing necessary skills, which limits their economic opportunities and sustains cycles of poverty and poor health across generations. The dialogue also discussed the heightened health risks for adolescent mothers, including higher maternal mortality rates and increased risks for their infants. Wazed emphasized the need for improved access to quality maternal care and family planning services tailored to adolescents.

Moreover, Wazed stressed the crucial role of cross-sectoral collaboration and equitable access to comprehensive health services in effectively addressing adolescent pregnancy. She praised SAARC and UNICEF for their initiative in convening the regional dialogue aimed at building consensus and enhancing access to adolescent-friendly health services and education throughout the region. 'Investments in adolescent health are vital for sustainable socio-economic development and for the wellbeing of future generations,' Wazed affirmed, reiterating WHO's commitment to advancing the health and rights of women, girls, and vulnerable populations in South-East Asia.

The dialogue concluded with a call for robust policy frameworks and targeted interventions to address the multifaceted challenges of adolescent pregnancy, fostering improved health outcomes and empowerment for young people across the region. (ANI)