On this World Population Day, I call on all with influence to prioritize youth in development plans, strengthen partnerships with youth-led organizations, and involve young people in all decisions that affect them. By empowering today’s youth, we will lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for generations to come”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for World Population Day
11 July 2014
As the world celebrates the World Population Day, focusing on young people, we must take into cognizance the rights and needs of these young people. In contrast to age-static definitions of youth, youth can be seen as the transition from childhood to adulthood, one that would be defined by the acquisition of social, economic and political autonomy and responsibility. Youth is the “process of becoming rather than being”. Youth become adults through the gradual accrual of roles and responsibilities that define them. (2012 Mo Ibrahim Forum Facts & Figures)
This year, the event discusses adolescent pregnancy, where “too many adolescent girls pregnancy has little to do with an informed choice” (UNPF). These pregnancies are often “a consequence of discrimination, rights violations (including child marriage), inadequate education or sexual coercion.” This day aims to raise awareness “in the hopes of delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”
Some Notable Facts:
According to the 2006 census, young people age 10 to 24 are about 44 million (33.1 percent) of the total population. It is estimated that it has risen to 60 million in 2014 and expected to hit 73 million by 2020 out of projected population of 221 million. (Nigeria National Population Commission)
Youth unemployment increases with educational level in Nigeria
“Job readiness is lacking in Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt.
In less than three generation, 41% of the world’s youth will be African
In the 21st century, Africa will be the only continent whose youth population will continue to significantly expand
Between 2000 and 2100, Africa will gain 340 million young people, compared to a net increase of 137 million in the whole world, due to diminishing cohorts in Europe, Latin America and Asia. This will increase its share of the global youth population from 15% to 41% (2012 Mo Ibrahim Forum Facts and Figures)
Through this great awareness and celebration, people are encouraged to take part in the event to know about population issues like importance of family planning towards the increasing population, gender equality, maternal and baby health, poverty, human rights, right to health, sexuality education, use of contraceptives and safety measures like condoms, reproductive health, adolescent pregnancy, girl child education, child marriage, sexually transmitted infections and so many.
Sexuality related issues are very necessary to get solved among youths especially between 15 to 19 years of age as it is noted that around 15 million women of this age give birth every year as well as around 4 million goes through for abortion. In addition, we should also demand for some effective laws and policies implementation in order to protect girl child rights and make sure that both boys and girls have equal access to primary education.
At Action Health Incorporated (AHI), we are dedicated to promoting opportunities for young people’s health and development to ensure their successful transition to healthy and productive adulthood. We work with young people, parents, community opinion leaders, youth-serving organizations, government agencies and policy makers to design and implement innovative and participatory projects in education, healthcare and youth development, providing models that have been adopted and expanded by government and other civil society organisations.
Contact us today.
Action Health Incorporated
17 Lawal Street, Off Oweh Street, Jibowu
Lagos Nigeria.
Tel: +234-1-7743745, +234-8123445837, 8123445822
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