Global summit highlights Namibia’s teenage pregnancy challenge

#Befree youth ambassador Rivaldo Kavanga says the rate of 15 000 teenage pregnancies recorded annually in Namibia is alarming.

“Sexual reproductive health and rights programmes are vital in addressing this issue by providing young people with the necessary information and access to services,” he says.

Kavanga was speaking at the Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future event at the Summit of the Future Action Days in New York on Saturday.

One Economy Foundation’s Ileni Hitula says the foundation’s participation at the summit ensures that Namibian young people’s voices are heard in global decision-making.

“This ensures that Namibia’s young people have a seat at the table in global conversations, making sure their unique challenges and perspectives are heard,” she says.

Hitula says the event was co-hosted by the ministry of sport, youth and national service, the One Economy Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

“This involvement also ties into Namibia’s role as a co-host of the summit, highlighting the country’s commitment to including youth in shaping policies that determine their future,” he says.

UNFPA executive director Natalia Kanem says neglecting the sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) of young people will cost an estimated US$110 trillion over the next 27 years.

Kanem says: “Investing in young people, especially girls, is the best buy for sustainable development.”

Former first lady Monica Geingos at the event said: “SRHR is more than just reproductive health, it encompasses mental health, education and entrepreneurship, which collectively serve as catalysts for youth empowerment.”

Deputy minister of sport, youth and national service Emma Kantema elaborated on the importance of having an informed and healthy youth population through sex education and youth-friendly clinics.

“With the youth making up half of the world’s population, but only 2.8% of members of parliament being under 30, the call for youth participation in decision-making is more critical than ever.”

Roman Malessa, the vice president of FAQ Health, said the youth should be a cornerstone in decision-making.

“You cannot exclude half of your population and expect to perform at capacity.

Include the youth in decision-making.” Ghislain Irakoze, the founder of Wastezon, stressed the importance of integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics in vocational training and digital literacy to prepare the youth for an ever-evolving job market.

“SRHR programmes are vital in addressing this issue by providing young people with the necessary information and access to services,” he said.