Monday, September 03, 2007 Oledan: Challenges By Radzini Oledan Slice of life
ADOLESCENTS are a large and growing segment of the population. More than half of our population is below the age of 25. Worldwide, four out of five young people live in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescents as individuals between 10 and 19 years of age.
It is during adolescence when young people develop their adult identity, move toward physical and psychological maturity, and become economically independent. Although adolescence generally is a healthy period of life, many adolescents often are less informed, less experienced, and less comfortable accessing family planning and reproductive health services compared to adult.
Adolescents may experience resistance or even hostility from adults when they attempt to obtain the reproductive health information and services they need. They therefore may be at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, unintended pregnancy, and other health consequences that can affect not only their future but also their community.
In addition, gender inequities, particularly unequal power in relationships, may limit their ability to seek reproductive health services.
There are several challenges.
Despite increasing attention given worldwide to education, UNICEF estimates that 121 million children worldwide are out of school, with 9 million more girls than boys. Educating girls is essential to reducing child mortality, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases.
For women ages 15 to 19, complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and unsafe abortion are the major causes of death.
Young people ages 15 to 24 have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Statistics on rape suggest that between one-third and two-thirds of rape victims worldwide are 15 years old or younger.
Youth with low levels of education experience severely limited future prospects for economic self-sufficiency. Rapid population increases and urbanization place pressure on national health, education, and social infrastructures, further reducing access to basic needs.
Along with increased exposure to STIs and unintended pregnancy, adolescents who engage in sexual activity outside of marriage may face social stigmas, family conflicts, problems with school, and the potential need for unsafe abortion.
Adolescence is a period of transition, growth, exploration, and opportunities but at the same time, the lack of information about how to protect their sexual health makes them susceptible to unwanted pregnancies, the health risks associated with early pregnancy, unsafe abortions, STIs, and HIV.
Young women's frequently limited knowledge of or confidence in accessing the health care system results in limited prenatal care, which also contributes significantly to complications. Access to reproductive health information and services is critical, but this alone will not necessarily result in young people adopting safer sexual behaviors. Like adults, young people require motivation to make healthy decisions about their sexual behavior.
