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AED's Experts Share Their Thoughts

Young people in developing countries face many health challenges and are often unprepared to face life as adults.

Adolescents lack information and life skills and are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Girls are at high risk of physical and sexual abuse, and are often pressured to have sex with older men for money and gifts. Young girls who become pregnant have a higher incidence of miscarriage, abortion, obstetric complications, and death during childbirth.

How can we help?

Education—especially secondary education for girls—must be a priority. It leads to lower infant mortality, better nutrition, and fewer incidents of violence.

Life-skills education equips adolescents to delay sexual activity. Teaching young people about good nutrition helps prevent anemia and malnutrition. Role models encourage youth to maintain healthy practices, and to become role models themselves. These measures can also empower youth to become change-agents in their homes and communities.

 

 

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