OPINION: Investing in Adolescent Girls for Africa’s Development

Elina Makore, 19, of Renco Mine just after delivering a healthy baby at Rutandare Clinic a remote Zimbabwean outpost supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Courtesy: UNFPA/Stewart MuchaperaBy Hinda Deby Itno and Julitta OnabanjoJOHANNESBURG, Sep 15 2014 (IPS)Adolescence is a time of transition from childhood to adulthood. It is also a time of change and challenge. Today’s adolescents, connected to each other like never before, can be a significant source of social progress and cultural change.But they are also facing multiple challenges that seriously impact their future. And nowhere in the world do adolescents confront as formidable barriers to their full development as in Africa.Today, adolescents and young people make up over one third of Africa’s population. They form a sizeable part of the population yet they lack critical investments, especially where it matters most – in sexual and reproductive health services, comprehensive sexuality education and skills building.This calls for the serious and committed attention of all. <a href=’#’><img alt=’Dashboard 1 ‘ src=’https:&#47;&#47;public.tableausoftware.com&#47;static&#47;images&#47;B5&#47;B5XKXY6BG&#47;1_rss.png’ style=’border: none’ /></a>  Challenges facing adolescent girlsIt is estimated that Africa has the world’s highest rates of adolescent pregnancy and maternal mortality. In Chad, Guinea, ...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Africa Countdown to ZERO Development & Aid Editors' Choice Featured Gender Headlines Health Population Poverty & MDGs Projects Regional Categories Women's Health Adolescents Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) United Nations Source Type: news