First International Day of Girl Child set

THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Plan International will hold the 1st International Day of Girl Child on October 11 to highlight the rise of pregnancy among teenagers in the Philippines.

Researchers showed the key reasons for high incidence of teen pregnancies are the lack of comprehensive sexuality education and limited access to adolescent-friendly reproductive health services are key reasons.

“Teenage pregnancy is becoming an epidemic. And this is why I continue to say we are failing our young people. We all know that a young girl, pregnant in her teenage years faces a lot of risks. Her body is not yet fully developed and ready to carry a child. It puts her at risk of complications, even death,” United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Ugochi Daniels said.

The event with the theme “Usapang Kabataan”, which will tackle teen pregnancy with the school community, will be facilitated by TV personality Boy Abunda, who is also a celebrity advocate for UNFPA and Plan Philippines.

The event will hold wellness and health information activities for public high school students and out-of-school adolescents in Juan Sumulong High School in Quezon City.

Adolescents participating in the event will have the opportunity to consult with doctors regarding health concerns and participate in health information sessions led by youth peer educators.

The sessions aim to equip them with knowledge and life skills to prevent teenage pregnancy.

The event is collaborated with UNFPA, NISA Ul Haqq Fi Bangsamoro, Plan International, Department of Health, Youth Peer Educators Network-Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Council for the Welfare of Children, and Lunduyan Foundation. ((Leyte Samar Daily Express)