UNFPA calls for reproductive health education in Myanmar

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for dissemination of education on reproductive health in Myanmar, state media reported Tuesday. In its report of State of World Population-2013 launched in Myanmar, the UNFPA called for action that empowers girls, uphold their basic human rights and put them on an equal footing with boys as well as for the girls to receive education. The report pointed out that girls who remain in school longer are less likely to become pregnant. In Myanmar, the statement said, more than 10 percent of pregnancy within the age group of 15-19, are largely because of barriers based on social and cultural value that prevent young people from accessing reproductive health services, including those for birth spacing. "Myanmar may not have many adolescent mothers nor do the majority of the country's girls marry young, However, this does not mean that many young girls are not vulnerable to unintended pregnancy, " said Ms. Janet Jackson, UNFPA Myanmar representative, in the statement. Noting that part of protection adolescent is through access to information and access to reproductive health services including contraception, she said this will help reduce their vulnerability and strengthen their ability to take responsibility. "Prevention is the best way to avoid unsafe abortion and this is happening in many places, thanks to youth spaces and adolescent friendly services", she added. Myanmar launched the National Services Standards and Guidelines on Adolescent Healthcare in July with the support of the World Health Organization and UNFPA. UNFPA said it remains committed to work with the Myanmar government and all stakeholders to help meet the need and potential of the young people of the country. UNFPA is also a member of th recently established National Task Force for youth policy.