UN Agencies Urge Action as 6,500 Adolescent Girls Die in Childbirth Annually in South Asia

Every year, nearly 6,500 adolescent girls in South Asia die in childbirth, highlighted UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA. At a regional dialogue in Kathmandu, officials called for greater investment in critical services for the 2.2 million adolescent mothers in the region, aiming to improve health, education, and economic opportunities.

Nearly 6,500 adolescent girls die in childbirth in South Asia annually, according to a joint statement by UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA issued on Friday. These organizations, along with SAARC, emphasized the need for increased commitment to critical services for over 2.2 million adolescent mothers in the region.

The statement was released during the Regional Dialogue on Adolescent Pregnancy in South Asia, held in Kathmandu on July 11 and 12. SAARC Secretary General, Ambassador Golam Sarwar, inaugurated the event, commending efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy while stressing that more work is needed to address issues like child marriage and access to adolescent health education.

South Asia, home to 290 million child brides, accounts for nearly half of the global burden. In some countries, married adolescent girls are four times more likely to be out of school compared to their unmarried peers. Ambassador Sarwar urged all stakeholders to address these root causes to manage the teenage population effectively.

Geetu Kumari from Nepal, who married at 16 and became pregnant soon after, shared her struggles. "I still feel weak and find it difficult to do housework and take care of my baby," she said. Her situation underscores the broader risks adolescent mothers face, including increased mortality rates, educational setbacks, and social stigma.

UNICEF Regional Director Sanjay Wijesekera called for collaborative investment in services for adolescent girls, emphasizing the transformative potential for South Asia. Representatives from several countries reaffirmed their commitment to improving support for pregnant adolescents, including educational and vocational opportunities.

WHO's Regional Director Saima Wazed highlighted the need for specialized attention in policies addressing adolescent development stages. Effective strategies, including cross-sectoral collaboration, are essential to tackle adolescent pregnancy and improve health outcomes for young mothers.

UNFPA's Deputy Regional Director Dr. Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza stressed the importance of investing in youth education, health, and employment, noting that empowered adolescent girls contribute significantly to sustainable development.

The agencies called for better data collection, improved care, and opportunities for adolescent girls to thrive, underlining the crucial role of comprehensive policies in ensuring their well-being. (ANI)